§ Mrs. WiseTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has issued any instructions altering the pay rates of hospital optometrists; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyA new pay and grading structure. for hospital optometrists had been agreed and the new pay rates were promulgated in "Advance Letter (OP) 1/90" issued on 19 January 1990, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. The agreement gives an increase on all pay scales of 6.5 per cent. from 1 April 1989, assimilation to a new pay spine from 1 December 1989 and regrading under the new structures to be completed by 1 July 1990. The new spine gives salaries in the following ranges:
- Grade A— £9,239 to £12,158
- Grade B—£12,644 to £23,682
- Grade C—£22,771 to £31,164 (or £37,915 with full use of five discretionary points available to employing authorities under the agreement).