HC Deb 13 March 1930 vol 236 cc1487-8
71. Mr. GOULD

asked the Minister of Health the weekly number of hours worked by the staff at the Wells County Mental Hospital, Somerset?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The weekly number of hours worked by the nursing and domestic staff in Wells Mental Hospital is in accordance with the recommendations of the Joint Conciliation Committee of the Mental Hospitals Association and the National Asylum Workers Union, namely, 66 hours per week inclusive of meal times. The farm staff work 50 hours per week, which is the number agreed to by the local committee of the Agricultural Wages Board. The building and repairs staff work 44 hours per week, which are the current weekly hours in the district for the various skilled trades.

72. Mr. GOULD

asked the Minister of Health the largest number of beds in any one room now in use in the Wells County Mental Hospital, Somerset?

Mr. GREENWOOD

There are 75 beds in one dormitory of a size which gives 600 cubic feet of space for each occupant.

Mr. GOULD

Does the right hon. Gentleman regard this mass sleeping accommodation as conducive to the best interests of the patients?

Mr. GREENWOOD

Unfortunately, it is the best accommodation that they have at the moment.

Mr. GOULD

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations through his Department to the Wells Mental Hospital asking them for an early change in the dreadful conditions of the sleeping accommodation?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I will consider that suggestion.