HC Deb 22 January 1942 vol 377 cc407-8
32. Sir Francis Fremantle

asked the Minister of Health to what extent the salaries of hospital and district nurses have been raised, respectively, in Government, municipal and unofficial employment, as recommended by the Athlone Committee?

Mr. E. Brown

I have, in accordance with the recommendation of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Nursing Services, set up a committee representing employers and nurses to draw up agreed scales of salaries and emoluments for nurses employed in hospitals and the public health services. I understand that many employers of nurses have increased the salaries of their nursing staffs in recent years and others are doing so, pending the report of the Nurses' Salaries' Committee, but full and detailed information is not available.

Sir F. Fremantle

When are we likely to get that report? Will action be taken at once to bring it to the notice of the different parties concerned?

Mr. Brown

My hon. Friend knows that Lord Rushcliffe is presiding over the committee which is sitting now. I cannot anticipate its report. Lord Rushcliffe knows all the interests concerned because they are represented on the committee.

Sir F. Fremantle

Would my right hon. Friend ask the committee to provide an interim report before the final report, so that action may be taken on that?

Mr. Brown

I hope there will be no need for an interim report. I hope for clear-cut agreement and decisions.