§ Mr. AshtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what reasons underlie his proposals to change the conditions of service for nurses in the Prison Officers Association at Rampton hospital, Nottinghamshire; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will make a statement about the reasons for the breakdown of talks with the Prison Officers Association at Rampton hospital, Nottinghamshire; and what he intends to do to restore negotiations.
§ Mr. DorrellThere are no current proposals to change the conditions of service for nurses at Rampton hospital though the Special Hospitals Service Authority is proposing to phase out the assisted travel scheme introduced on an ex-gratia basis in the early 1970s. The authority is currently in negotiation with the Prison Officers Association and other staff associations about this.
§ Mr. AshtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the senior management at Rampton special hospital, Nottinghamshire, will continue to receive company cars or car allowance following the new travel allowance proposals.
§ Mr. DorrellLike other health authorities, the Special Hospitals Service Authority operates a lease car scheme for those staff who undertake sufficient mileage on official duties. It is not restricted to senior managers and is in line with general practice throughout the national health service.
§ Mr. AshtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements he has made for patients at Rampton special hospital, Nottinghamshire, to continue receiving visits from relatives during the Prison Officers Association dispute.
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§ Mr. DorrellIndustrial action initiated by the Prison Officers association has, amongst other effects, restricted visiting to patients. Management are doing their best to enable visits to take place whenever practicable.