HC Deb 16 March 1939 vol 345 cc597-8
70. Mr. Duncan

asked the Minister of Health what the functions of district nurses are to be in an emergency; and whether they will be called upon to undertake any extra duties beside their normal work?

Mr. Elliot

It is intended that in an emergency district nurses would, in general, remain at their posts and continue their normal work. This work is likely to increase in volume in reception areas, and some strengthening of the service may be required. For this purpose the register being compiled under the direction of the Central Emergency Committee for the nursing profession will be available.

76. Sir W. Brass

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the considerable dissatisfaction which exists amongst women in certain areas, who have volunteered, and are in the course of being trained as nurses under the Red Cross, and who now find that they are to have refugee children billeted in their homes by local authorities; and whether he will give a decision as to whether they should now give up their nursing training so as to be available to look after refugees in their homes; or whether those training as nurses will be exempted from billeting in order that they may be able to continue with their nursing duties?

Mr. Elliot

The inquiries in regard to school children to be evacuated which have been made under the survey recently carried out by local authorities have been directed to finding out in which houses women are not only able but also willing to receive unaccompanied children. It rests with the individual to decide whether she is in a position to combine such an offer with the performance of other work of National Service. Women who come to the conclusion that other National Service which they have undertaken will preclude them from making such an offer would, no doubt, consider the alternative course of making available spare accommodation for mothers and young children where reception would not involve the householder in any responsibility for maintenance or care.

Sir W. Brass

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the pressure of certain organisations at the present time has already threatened to break up some of the Red Cross detachments?

Mr. Elliot

That does not seem to arise out of the question on the Paper.