HC Deb 14 February 1946 vol 419 cc528-9
63. Flight-Lieutenant Haire

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the shortage of nursing and domestic staff in public assistance institutions and emergency hospitals in Buckinghamshire; and what steps he proposes to take to overcome the deficiency.

Mr. Isaacs

I am aware of the need of these hospitals for nursing and domestic staff. My officers are giving them all possible assistance in obtaining staff and have filled a number of vacancies during recent months. The shortage is part of a wider problem affecting many hospitals to which the various measures taken by the Government to encourage further recruitment into the hospital services are being directed.

Flight-Lieutenant Haire

In doing what he can, will the right hon. Gentleman help by bringing into this country, if possible, foreign domestic assistance, because, in the case of Buckinghamshire, some 514 beds have had to be closed down owing to lack of staff, and something like 150 persons have gone in the last six months without replacement?

Mr. Isaacs

Unfortunately, that situation is much too common. The question of bringing in foreign domestic servants for this kind of job and for private domestic service is now under consideration.

Mr. Moyle

Is it not a fact that recruitment is handicapped by the policy of the authorities in their failure to pay reasonable rates of wages?

Mr. Isaacs

That may have been so in the past, but it is now very considerably overcome, because the authorities have established joint industrial councils and have agreed upon conditions which are much more satisfactory.

64 Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Labour if he is now able to indicate his proposals for dealing with the problem of domestic service.

Mr. Isaacs

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 7th February to the hon. Member for Barnet (Dr. Taylor) and the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Saffron Walden (Mr. R. A. Butler) a copy of which I am sending him.

Mr. Lipson

Can my right hon. Friend say when he will be able to announce that some definite scheme will be put into operation?

Mr. Isaacs

Not at the moment.