§ 1. Lieut.-Colonel Dowerasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the shortage of staff at the Dovenby Hall Colony Institution for Mental Defectives, Cockermouth; whether this institution will be permitted to advertise for candidates; or what steps are being taken by his Ministry to make available sufficient staff to deal with the 335 patients.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)Since last December vacancies have been notified to my Department by this institution for four nursing assistants, one assistant seamstress, and one painter decorator. Two nursing assistants have been submitted, one of whom has been engaged, and one is still under consideration. I shall do my best to provide the additional staff needed. I would point out however, that the position compares not unfavourably with that in some other similar institutions, and whilst the institution can advertise for staff under 18 or over 40, I do not feel that I can agree to special treatment as regards advertising for men and women within the controlled-age groups.
§ Lieut.-Colonel DowerMay I take it that my right hon. Friend will really 1508 try to meet the additional requirements, because it is commonly known in this part of the country that the institution is very short of staff indeed?