HC Deb 27 January 1944 vol 396 cc834-5
3. Sir John Graham Kerr

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has looked into the case of a local district hospital of which the closure at an early date is contemplated owing to the impossibility of obtaining domestic staff; whether he is aware that this closure has been staved off so far by the self-sacrificing efforts of matron and nursing staff; and what steps he proposes to take to secure that adequate domestic labour be directed to this hospital so that it may be kept available to the community.

6. Mr. Alexander Walkden

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the hospital at Royston, Hertfordshire, is having to close down through lack of domestic help; that the matron would be able to carry on if she could have one cook and two maids, or alternatively, three girls of 16 years of age for training; and whether he is taking any steps to meet this urgent requirement of a hospital serving a widespread area.

Mr. Bevin

The vacancies at this hospital have been given first priority in accordance with the policy which I outlined in my reply to the hon. Member for East Islington (Mrs. Cazalet Keir) on 20th January. Two cooks and one housemaid have already been submitted and one cook and one housemaid accepted. The outstanding vacancy is for a between-maid. This was only notified to my officers on 21st January and I have not yet heard the result of the steps which are being taken to fill it.

41. Sir J. Graham Kerr

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the case of a local district hospital, the closure of which at an early date is contemplated owing to the impossibility of obtaining domestic staff; whether he is aware that this closure has been staved off so far only by the devotion of the nursing staff and the diversion from their proper duties; and what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the continued activities of this hospital.

Mr. Willink

I have been in touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service, and I would refer my hon. Friend to the Reply which my right hon. Friend gave to a similar Question earlier to-day.