§ 14. Mr. Silkinasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that women offering to enrol for training as nurses 1045 are being informed that no more women can be accepted for training as nurses or assistant nurses; whether such information is being given by his authority, and whether he is satisfied that there is no further need for the training of nurses and assistant nurses?
§ Mr. ElliotNo such instruction is being given by my authority. It is possible that some temporary dislocation was feared at the outbreak of war, but I am informed that the General Nursing Council have taken all necessary steps to enable training to continue without interruption.
§ Mr. SilkinWill the right hon. Gentleman take the necessary steps to ensure that this information is made available to all those who may require nurses, as I do not think that any such information has been given?
§ Mr. ElliotI hope that this question and answer will serve that purpose.
§ 15. Dr. Haden Guestasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that experienced trained nurses and nursing sisters" have been invited to volunteer for National Service in London, and on appointment by borough councils have been paid £2 a week, the salary of first-aid workers; and whether a different scale of salaries can be established for trained nurses?
§ Mr. ElliotI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Blackburn (Captain Elliston) on 28th July. The standard rate of £90 a year for a trained nurse, plus board, lodging and laundry, is applicable to a nurse employed by the borough council at a first-aid post, under conditions laid down in a recent circular, a copy of which I will send to the hon. Member.
Dr. GuestIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that in certain areas in London nurses are being paid a flat rate of £2 without any allowances whatever; and if I bring him cases will he look into them?
§ Mr. ElliotI shall be very glad to do so.