§ 77. Mr. HURSTasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the low salaries now paid to trained nurses employed by local authorities; and if he will consider the desirability of establishing a reasonable minimum wage in the public health service?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware that in certain areas the salaries paid to nurses engaged in some of the public health services are not commensurate with the importance and character of the duties performed; and in such cases as come within my jurisdiction, representations are made to the local authorities concerned with a view to a reconsideration of the salaries offered. These officers are, of course, appointed and paid by the local authorities and the varying local conditions and the divergent views as to remuneration taken by them in the exercise of their discretion renders difficult the introduction of a minimum wage or greater uniformity in the terms of service.