asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to improve the pay and conditions of service of doctors and nurses in the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.

The pay of National Health Service doctors and nurses is currently under consideration by the independent review bodies who will report to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in due course. The pay levels now in force incorporate all review body recommendations made in the lifetime of this Government. Conditions of service are discussed regularly with the professions concerned in the appropriate negotiating fora. Topics under consideration include, for doctors, the introduction of a new hospital intermediate level service grade and, for nurses, a review of the clinical grading structure.