44. Mr. McNeilasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether all grades of nurses in Scottish voluntary hospitals are now being paid on the higher salary scales recommended by the Taylor Committee?
§ Mr. WestwoodMy right hon. Friend has offered a 50 per cent. grant to voluntary hospitals which adopt the Committee's recommendations. He regrets that there is no information to show which voluntary hospitals are already paying the new scales, but it is understood that many have resolved or intend to do so. In the meantime, my right hon. Friend is asking the British Hospitals Association for a fuller ascertainment of the facts, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as he is in a position to do so.
Mr. McNeilDoes my right hon. Friend not agree that since he is going to be dependent very largely upon these voluntary hospital nurses for teaching schools for nurses, he must take direct action himself to see that this short supply is made up by payment of the recommended scale?
§ Mr. WestwoodThey will not get the grant of 50 per cent. which we offer unless they are prepared to pay the scales recommended by the Committee.