HC Deb 04 February 1943 vol 386 cc1032-3
19. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received the Report of the Rushcliffe Committee that has considered the salaries and conditions of nurses; what action is to be taken; and, in view of the urgency of the need for giving nurses encouragement and confidence, will he treat this matter as one of urgency?

Mr. E. Brown

I hope to receive the Report by the end of this week and to announce my action on it next week.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Is it not a fact that nurses are still overworked and underpaid?

Mr. Brown

The hon. and gallant Gentleman had better wait until he sees the Report.

23. Mr. William Brown

asked the Minister of Health when he anticipates that the Report of the Departmental Committee on Conditions in the Nursing Profession will be available?

Mr. E. Brown

I hope that copies of the Report will be available in the Vote Office on this day week.

Mr. W. Brown

In view of the very great delay that there has been in getting this Report, can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that no time will be lost in making up his mind as to the action of his Department?

Mr. E. Brown

I must not be taken as accepting the assumption of delay. The House will see, when they read the Report, how complicated the problem is. My Noble Friend and his colleagues have had to consult different interests concerned, and it has been a long and difficult piece of work.

Sir Francis Fremantle

Is it an interim or a final Report?

Mr. E. Brown

A first Report.