§ Mr. KnapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how much extra recognition the current year's nurses' pay award gives to those nurses with extra skills and responsibilities.
§ Mr. NewtonI refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friends the Members for Gravesham (Mr. Arnold) and for Altrincham and Sale (Sir F. Montgomery) on 14 June at columns159–60.
§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what measures he is taking to standardise pay for hospital sisters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonThe new clinical grading structure for nurses seeks to recognise and reward different levels of skill and responsibility. It provides a range of grades and pay scales for ward sisters, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the post occupied. Comprehensive guidance has been issued to health authorities with a view to ensuring that the grading definitions are consistently applied.