§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has to make an announcement on the alignment of academic medical pay awards this year with medical pay awards generally within the NHS; and if she will make a statement. [2662]
§ Mr. ForthMy right hon. Friend holds to the view that academic medical pay awards should generally be aligned with NHS medical pay awards, settled following the Doctors and Dentists Remuneration Review Body recommendations, but it is for university and college employers to set pay levels.