HC Deb 09 November 1988 vol 140 cc228-9W
30. Mr. Arbuthnot

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current situation regarding nurses' pay in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

In common with the rest of the country, nurses' pay in Scotland now stands at its highest ever level in real terms, having increased by nearly 44 per cent. since 1979. Over 60,000 nurses are being assimilated into the new clinical grading structure and will receive increases ranging from 4 per cent. to over 33.6 per cent. this year. Health boards are being funded to meet the full cost.