§ Rev. Martin Smythasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress of efforts to upgrade speech therapists' pay.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe pay of speech therapists in Northern Ireland follows the rates negotiated in Great Britain. I understand that negotiations on a new grading package are in progress in Great Britain. In recognition of the fact that these negotiations are likely to take some time to conclude an interim lump sum of £250 has been agreed for speech therapists in partial compensation for the increase due for the period 1 April 1987 to 30 November 1987.