HC Deb 04 April 1946 vol 421 cc1373-4
20. Mr. Haydn Davies

asked the Minister of Health whether any decision has yet been taken in regard to the termination of the Mental Nurses (Employment and Offences) Orders, 1941–44.

19. Mr. Orbach

asked the Minister of Health whether any decision has been taken in regard to the termination of the Mental Nurses (Employment and Offences) Orders, 1941–44.

Mr Bevan

As announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on 13th December, the general controls on the movement of nurses and midwives will cease to operate on 20th June. It has accordingly been decided that the Mental Nurse. (Employment and Offences) Orders shall be revoked and cease to operate on that date. It is appreciated that the revocation of these Orders may cause temporary difficulties in retaining staffs in some institutions. But if the Orders are not revoked, the Mental Nursing Service would, after 20th June, be the only branch of nursing subject to restrictions of this kind. That would be a grave handicap to future recruitment to the Service and, after the fullest consideration, we have come to the conclusion that the balance of advantage lies in withdrawing the Orders on 20th June.

Mr. W. J. Brown

Will the Minister of Health convey the sound sense of what he has just said to his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. for application to the Civil Service?