§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how the pay award to doctors and dentists will be funded.
§ Mr. FowlerMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced the Government's decision on the twelfth report of the doctors and dentists review body yesterday. We will shortly be making formal proposals to the profession that involve increases of 5.5 per cent. for most salaried doctors and dentists, and somewhat higher increases for the training grades in the hospital service.
The allocations to health authorities announced already include provision for a 4 per cent. increase in salaries. The additional cost of the pay offer to health authorities in Great Britain will be some £22 million. The Government will provide additional funds to meet the greater part of this, but authorities will be asked to find just over £6 million from within existing allocations.