§ 1. Mr. Fosterasked the Minister of Labour what representations he has received of the serious shortage of nursing and domestic staffs in infectious diseases hospitals; and whether he has had any consultations with the Minister of Health with the view of remedying the position?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)I am fully aware of the serious shortage of nursing and domestic staffs in certain hospitals, including hospitals for infectious diseases, and I have discussed the position with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. Local appointments officers of my Department are already reviewing the position of nurses and midwives who registered on l0th April under the Nurses and Midwives (Registration for Employment) Order, 1943, and in placing available women, priority is being given to vacancies in those hospitals, including hospitals for infectious diseases, where the shortage is most acute. As regards domestic staff, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for East Islington (Mrs. Cazalet Keir) on 13th May, of which I am sending him a copy.