HC Deb 09 December 1943 vol 395 cc1111-2
20. Major Neven-Spence

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the serious shortage of nursing and domestic staff at the Royal Scottish National Institution for mental defectives at Larbert, which has already led to the closing of one modern block and which will compel the superintendent to discharge 100 inmates in the very near future, although there is a long waiting list of which at least 100 are regarded as cases of extreme urgency; and how he proposes to deal with this situation?

Mr. Bevin

I am taking special action in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, to deal with the staff shortage at this institution, and if necessary I will use directions.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that this is not the only institution that is in the same predicament?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, and I am always advising my hon. Friend not to object to people being directed.

Mr. McNeil

As my right hon. Friend is not using his powers of direction to other institutions, will he take most careful consideration before initially using direction to an institution of this kind?

Mr. Bevin

Certainly. I had to wait for the Hetherington Report since there were no conditions laid down which would enable me to provide labour.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Is it not a fact that my right hon. Friend has directed some of the staffs from these institutions and that is why some of them are closed?