HC Deb 18 February 1943 vol 386 cc1930-1
34 Dr. Edith Summerskill

asked the Minister of Health (1) why the Rushcliffe Committee recommendations on the nursing services are not made obligatory on all hospital authorities;

(2) whether he is satisfied that potential nurses will be attracted to the profession at a standing salary of £40 a year, and that £55 is an adequate salary for the assistant nurse, Category E;

(3) whether he is satisfied that £70 a year is a fair salary to offer a fully qualified State-registered nurse?

Mr. E. Brown

I have no power to impose the obligation suggested by the hon. Lady, but I do not in any case believe that such action would be necessary to secure the adoption of recommendations made by a Committee so fully representative of hospital authorities and of nurses. I think that the adoption of the recommendations will materially assist in recruitment for the nursing profession, and I see no reason to dissent from any of them. As indicated in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stone (Sir J. Lamb) on nth February, I have indeed already commended these recommendations to hospital authorities, and have informed them of the Government's readiness to give financial assistance towards the substantial increase in cost which they will involve.

Dr. Summerskill

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that unless he makes these recommendations compulsory, certain reactionary authorities will not adopt them? Furthermore, will he give me a specific answer? Does he approve of these low salaries suggested for lower-grade persons?

Mr. Brown

I have already answered the second part of that question. With regard to the first part, I was told precisely the same with regard to holidays with pay, but it did not work out that way. Good-will did more than compulsion.

Dr. Summerskill

Is the right hon. Gentleman trying to evade the question?

Mr. Brown

Not at all. The hon. Lady had better wait. Some 20 representatives of nurses and 20 of employers signed a unanimous report. I have no doubt that nurses will agree to the procedure that has been adopted, especially in the light of the fact that I have no power of compulsion.

Mr. Thorne

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to recommend to local authorities that they should put this Report into operation?

Mr. Brown

I have already done so.

Mr. De la Bère

Is it not a fact that these salaries acre still much too low?

Mr. Brown

I agree with the Report which was made by those concerned after 12 hard months of labour. Complete agreement was reached, and I hope' my hon. Friend will not disturb the recruiting campaign by such a suggestion.

Mr. Gallacher

Give the members of the Cabinet 12 months' hard labour.