HC Deb 13 September 1939 vol 351 cc628-9
19. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is great discontent in the emergency medical services arising out of the fact that many nurses, medical students, doctors and others are expected to give their services voluntarily, or for purely nominal remuneration; and whether he will examine and rectify these grievances?

Mr. Elliot

No, Sir, I am not aware of any such discontent. We have in this country a great tradition of voluntary service to those in need and those who give such service, whether in peace or in war, are rightly proud of it. Standard rates of payment have been arranged for doctors, nurses and nursing auxiliaries employed whole time in the service. With regard to medical students, I understand that in general they are most willing to assist in the treatment of casualties and I cannot believe that they wish to profit by the circumstances of war.

Mr. Parker

If I bring a number of grievances before the Minister will he undertake to look into them?

Mr. Elliot

I will undertake to investigate any grievances brought forward by the hon. Member or by other hon. Members, but I think the general position is as I have stated.

Sir William Davison

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a certain number of nurses who volunteered their services some time ago were put to expense in the provision of uniforms and other equipment and surely, when their services have been accepted, the State ought to provide them with the necessary uniform and equipment?

Mr. Elliot

I shall be glad to look into any cases such as my hon. Friend has indicated.

Miss Ward

Will the Minister consider whether these payments could not be made at more suitable periods, because inconvenience is caused by the fact that people have to wait a considerable time for payment and in some cases the amount of money which they have available may be very small?

Mr. Elliot

I shall be glad to look into the matter if specific cases are brought forward.

Mr. T. Williams

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why women who volunteered for nursing work have been informed that they must receive payment for it, although their circumstances are such that they can very well do without it; and will he tell us who has given instructions that voluntary workers must be paid, whether they desire to be paid or not?

Mr. Elliot

I shall be glad to look into any cases such as the hon. Gentleman has mentioned but I should have thought that it was open to anybody to return any payments made to them which they did not desire.

Viscountess Astor

Is it not true that this is happening in connection with A.R.P. work?

Mr. T. Williams

Will the right hon. Gentleman investigate this question?

Mr. Elliot

I have already offered to go into any specific cases.