To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements have been made to pay arrears to nurses regraded after appeals against a grade awarded in 1988 when the hospital concerned has become a trust in the intervening period; and if he will make a statement.

Guidance issued to the national health service makes it clear that trusts assume all the rights, powers, duties and liabilities for the contracts of employment of people formerly employed by health authorities. Trusts are therefore responsible for any arrears of pay which may become due if a nurse is regraded following an appeal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list by individual health authority in England the provision made in the final accounts for 1990–91 for payments due to nurses who awaited settlement of the grading claims; if he will estimate the total sum due to be paid on 31 March 1991 for grading arrears to such nurses; and if he will make a statement.

The provision made in the final accounts of health authorities for 1990–91 for payments due to nurses who awaited settlements of grading claims is not separately identifiable. No estimate of the total sum of arrears due to be paid as a result of grading appeals can be made.