§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his response to representations from Lothian health board on the proposed strike of night nurses at Barrymour hospital, West Lothian and St. John's hospital, Livingston.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 12 November 1990]: I have received no representations from Lothian health board about a strike. While Ministers have no locus in determining nurse duty rotas, I understand that the Health Board is currently consulting members of staff to determine how they will be affected by the proposals and discussing possible solutions. Where nurses' hours are reduced, they will continue to be paid at their present salary for up to one year depending on length of service. During that time the board hopes that nurses who wish to increase their hours to present levels will be able to do so. I can see no reason why strike action should be considered in those circumstances.