HC Deb 29 February 1940 vol 357 cc2222-3
15. Mr. Rostron Duckworth

asked the Minister of Labour how many nurses are now unemployed; and whether the exchanges are being asked to supply fully-trained or semi-skilled nurses?

Mr. E. Brown

On 29th January there were registered 261 wholly unemployed men and 1,016 wholly unemployed women for employment as nurses. Whilst I am unable to state without special inquiry to what extent exchanges are being asked to supply fully trained or semi-skilled nurses, arrangements are in force with certain local authorities and private institutions for the supply of probationer and fully trained nurses.

64. Mr. Duckworth

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the large number of nurses still unemployed, he will represent to the different local authorities owning hospitals the need for employing less voluntary or semi-paid unskilled labour, and of utilising the services of those nurses with greater experience?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Elliot)

My information is to the effect that there has been a considerable increase in the demand for trained nurses, and that it is now probably true to say that no good experienced nurse need remain unemployed as long as she is prepared to serve in any district where her services are required. As far as I am aware, local authorities are not displacing regular nurses in favour of nursing auxiliaries. The latter are being used generally in their proper auxiliary spheres in hospitals intended for the reception of casualties. If the hon. Member has information to the contrary, I should be glad to have particulars.

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