§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the size of the back-dated increase in lodging charges for state enrolled nurses and nurses graded sister II, he will make arrangements to spread arrears over the period of time which the pay award covers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergAs my reply of 18 January to the hon. Member pointed out—[Vol. 35, c.117–20]—lodging charges are a matter for the Nurses and Midwives Whitley Council. That council has reached an agreement whereby the increases in lodging charges due from 1 April 1982 and 1 April 1983 are to be collected over the period 1 October 1982 to 31 March 1984. It is expected that the arrears of lodging charges will be collected by health authorities at the end of February, when arrears of pay due from 23 August 1982 will be paid.