HC Deb 11 February 1943 vol 386 cc1425-6
19. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the serious shortage of nurses in the Public Assistance Institutions in the county of Buckingham and especially in Slough, and what steps he proposes to take?

Mr. E. Brown

I am aware that there is a considerable shortage of nurses in some institutions in Buckinghamshire and especially in Slough. My nursing officers are, however, in close consultation with the sector matron and others concerned, and the main deficiencies have been met by the employment of temporary nurses.

Sir S. Reed

Is the Minister aware that while the shortage in public assistance institutions in Buckinghamshire is particularly difficult, the shortage applies to almost every institution in the country?

Mr. Brown

That is the reason for the important statement by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour to-day.

Sir A. Knox

Does the Minister realise that the employment of temporary nurses has not alleviated the position at all?

Mr. Brown

It has alleviated it, but not solved it.