§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he will publish the Health Department's written evidence to the review body for the 1989 review of the pay of the professions allied to medicine; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThe evidence on the professions allied to medicine was published today and copies are available in the Library.
This year's review body recommendations on the pay of the professions allied to medicine were accepted in full by the Government with effect from 1 April. Those recommendations will have added, in total, some 8.8 per cent. to the pay bill. Rates of pay have now risen on average by nearly 40 per cent. since 1979.
The health departments believe that, against that background, the existing remuneration levels should be maintained. Further large across-the-board increases are not a cost-effective means of maintaining an adequate workforce in the professions. A more accurately targeted response is needed to direct resources towards particular skills and geographical shortages. The review body's decision to introduce pay supplements for staff working in London represents a significant step in that direction. We are keen to see greater scope for geographical variation in pay, and we will be putting further evidence to the review body about this.
Intensive discussions have taken place over the past year on a new grading structure for the professions allied to medicine. Unfortunately agreement has not been reached in time for the 1989 review. We hope that discussions can continue with a view to reaching an agreement for the next round.
I have also arranged for copies of the health departments' evidence to the review body on nurses' pay, which was published on 4 October to be placed in the Library.