HC Deb 25 October 1945 vol 414 cc2198-9
54. Mr. Timmons

asked the Minister of Labour in view of the shortage of nurses, if he will now consider granting immediate release to young women in the Forces who are willing to train for the nursing profession.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Yes, Sir. Arrangements are being made under which women who are willing and suitable to be trained for the nursing profession may be released from the Forces in Class B.

Mr. Walker

Will the hon. Gentleman inform the various institutions throughout the country of this decision, because it is a very serious matter to many of them?

Mr. Edwards

Steps are being taken in that direction.

Captain Crowder

Do the hospitals or the Minister of Health have to make application for the release, under Class B, of these nurses in the Services?

Mr. Edwards

The procedure will be that the various Commands will be asked to invite volunteers for release under Class B who are prepared to go into training. Neither local authorities nor hospitals figure in the picture.