§ 11. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health what control he exercises over the regulations affecting the working hours and conditions of nurses and sisters in the various hospitals of the country under the control of his Department; and whether he can state the minimum and maximum hours worked by these persons and the average wages received?
Sir H. YOUNGI am sending the hon. Member particulars of the hours of work and wages at the Rampton and Warwick State Institutions for Mental Defectives, which are directly administered by the Board of Control. Apart from these two institutions, the regulations affecting the working hours and conditions of service of nurses and sisters at hospitals are determined by the local authority or other body by whom the hospital is owned and managed, and are not subject to my control. I am unable, therefore, to give the information mentioned in the second part of the question.
§ Mr. GROVESWill the right hon. Gentleman make recommendations to local authorities where the working hours exceed a reasonable number?
Sir H. YOUNGThe question of a recommendation, where there is no power to enforce such recommendation, requires very great care.
§ Dr. MORRIS-JONESIs it not a fact that the nursing profession, as a corporate body has not expressed any desire to be incorporated under trade union regulations?