HC Deb 06 December 1945 vol 416 cc2506-7
11. Squadron-Leader Segal

asked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes to take to encourage the recruitment of ex-R.A.F. and ex-W.A.A.F. nursing orderlies under his new nursing scheme by granting them special facilities for training, in addition to the six months' exemption already allowed.

Mr. Bevan

I am asking the General Nursing Council to consider representations I have received in favour of granting to ex-Service nursing orderlies, in appropriate cases, a longer remission in the period of training for State Registration, and those who satisfy the conditions will be eligible for the special government allowances available to persons leaving work of national importance who undertake nursing training.

Squadron-Leader Segal

Does my right hon. Friend fully appreciate that many of these ex-W.A.A.F. and ex-R.A.F. nursing orderlies do not wish for any increase in salary but would prefer to have a much longer remission of the period of training, in view of their highly specialised nursing experience during the war and of their high degree of proficiency?

Mr. Bevan

I fully appreciate the points that my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind, but there are nursing authorities whom I must consult on this matter, as I am sure he will appreciate. Indeed, I have received great benefit from the consultations recently, as he knows well.

13. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that no more maternity cases can be taken into certain hospitals in Monmouthshire be cause of the shortage of nurses; and what steps he is taking to remedy the situation.

Mr. Bevan

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bedwellty (Sir C. Edwards) on this subject on 29th November.

Mr. Freeman

Is my right hon. Friend aware that babies are refusing to wait to be born until these nurses are trained, and that many of them are actually going on strike?

Mr. Bevan

My hon. Friend will be aware that I have taken exceptional steps quite recently to recruit nurses, and great improvements have been made. I am glad to say that the number of inquiries has enormously increased.