HC Deb 08 June 1999 vol 332 cc280-1W
Mr. Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what review he is undertaking of the pay of electrophysiological technologists within the NHS; and to which pay review body he intends to allocate these workers for future pay reviews. [85515]

Mr. Denham

On February 15 1999, the Health Department published proposals for modernising the National Health Service pay system in "Agenda for Change". This included the possibility of moving some highly qualified health professionals into the remit of the Nurses, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine Review Body.

Discussions have recently opened between representatives of NHS trade unions and management representatives from NHS employers and the four Health Departments on the basis of our proposals for modernising the NHS pay system. We will develop the proposed changes in a spirit of partnership.

It is too early to comment on proposals for specific staff groups.