§ 53. Dr. CHAPPLEasked whether the Prime Minister intends to introduce legislation to prevent the London Hospital from sending out nurses one year before the expiry of the normal course of training required by every other great Metropolitan hospital at the rate of 11s. 6d. per week while they earn £2 2s. per week for their hospital?
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONBefore the Prime Minister answers this question, may I ask him whether he is aware that Mr. Sydney Holland, chairman of the London Hospital, flatly contradicted the first part of the statement when it was first made; 2222 whether he knows that the London Hospital trains its nurses free of charge or premium for two years, and makes a large loss on the whole transaction; and whether, when the nurses are properly equipped, they are able to earn a livelihood for themselves at the expense of the hospital?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have not heard, and, with all respect to my hon. Friend I rather deprecate questions of this kind, relating to a great London hospital, to which the Metropolitan community is under a deep debt of gratitude. I am not aware of any grounds for legislation.
§ Dr. CHAPPLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Sydney Holland has admitted that nurses are sent out from the London Hospital one year before the expiry of the time ratified by other hospitals?
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONHe denies it absolutely.
§ Dr. CHAPPLEIs the right hon. Gentleman, or is he not, aware that Mr. Holland admitted as a fact that they are sent out at the end of two years, which is one year less than the curriculum of all the other London hospitals?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not aware of that as a matter of fact. The management of the hospital is a domestic matter. There is no ground whatsoever for the suggestion.