§ 2. Dr. Howittasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the great shortage of domestic workers in hospitals, he will direct that women shall be enrolled for domestic work in hospitals in the same manner as for the Services?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. McCorquodale)I would refer my hon. Friend to the last part of the reply given to the hon. Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn) on 6th October.
§ Dr. HowittIs my hon. Friend aware that it is becoming more and more difficult for hospitals to function properly to-day with their present domestic staffs and that in the case of an emergency arising from enemy action the wounded would not be able to receive the attention which I know my hon. Friend would like them to have?
§ Mr. McCorquodaleWe are, of course, aware of those difficulties, which are fully set out in the reply to which I have referred.
§ Mr. MesserIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the effect of the changed arrangements whereby deferments are referred to the district man-power board is to make the position worse?
§ Mr. McCorquodaleI would not accept that.
Dr. Edith SurnrnerskillIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this shortage aggravates the nursing problem because nurses have to undertake domestic work, which they resent?
§ Mr. George GriffithsIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the man-power boards turn a blind eye almost all the time to this question?