Written question asked by Lord Beith (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 2 November 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 November 1998. It was answered by George Howarth (Labour) on Monday, 9 November 1998 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will comment on about pay differentials between health care staff in the Prison Service and the National Health Service. - Inc figs.

Answer: Mr. Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about pay differentials between health care staff in the Prison Service and the National Health Service. [58460] Mr. George Howarth: Nurses employed by the Prison Service are paid at the same basic rates and on the same terms and conditions as applied in the National Health Service. Many prison healthcare centres are also staffed by healthcare officers. These are paid on the appropriate prison officer scale and, in addition, receive a specialist allowance of £1,041 per annum. The prison officers' pay scale ranges between £14,863 and £21,257. Direct pay comparisons between healthcare officers and nurses are not appropriate as different employment conditions apply. The Prison Service also employs doctors. From 1 January 1999 rates from Prison Service medical officers will range between £40,250 and £55,367. Rates for senior medical officers will range between £42,665 and £64,323. Individual salaries within these pay ranges will reflect qualifications, experience and performance. Rates for consultants in the National Health Service range between £45,740 and £59,040. In addition, discretionary points ranging between £2,370 and £11,810 can apply.

Secondary information