Dobson tells nurses, times are hard.

Speaking at the Royal College of Nurses (RCN) annual conference in Harrogate, Mr Dobson said that the situation had not changed since the general election when the Labour party warned public sector workers not to expect large increases from a new Labour government.

"Times are hard and settlements will be tight," he said He did however say that the government was committed to developing a revised

approach to pay in the NHS. He reassured nurses at the Royal College of Nursing's annual congress that local pay awards would end. In the past, nurses' pay has consisted of both a national element and a local element determined by NHS trusts. Nurses, midwives and health visitors were awarded a national 3.3% pay increase for 1997-98 which they will receive in two stages.

Hancock: Serious shortage of nurses

Christine Hancock, General secretary of the RCN responded to his speech by saying that nurses were realistic, but wanted to be treated fairly. They were aware of the tremendous pressures facing the health service, particularly a serious shortage of nurses.

Mr Dobson pleaded with all health service staff to co-operate with the Government. The fifteen hundred nurses who filled the conference hall warmly applauded Mr Dobson when he talked of ending local pay,and banning tobacco advertising. They listened quietly as he told them not to expect big pay rises. At the end of his speech Mr Dobson was received a standing ovation.

RCN general secretary Christine Murphy said later: "He got the warmest reception I can remember a secretary of state having at the congress."