§ 72. Mrs. WINTRINGHAMasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many local authorities are paying to trained nurses engaged in public health work salaries as low as £130 per annum; and whether he will take steps to ensure them an adequate salary, in view of the importance of health-visiting in the prevention of infant mortality, and the long period of training and other qualifications which candidates for these appointments are expected to hold?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYAccording to the information in the possession of my 434 Department, payment of a rate of salary as low as £130 per annum is exceptional. I fully appreciate the importance of the work of health visitors, and the question of their salaries will continue to engage my attention.
§ Mrs. WINTRINGHAMDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that in three months there have been several specific advertisements for nurses at salaries of £130 and £150?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI have no reason to doubt the information in the supplementary question, and I will bear it in mind.