§ 63. Mrs. Ayrton Gouldasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that there are only two instead of 12 domestic workers at Colindale Hospital, and that this is serious in a tuberculosis hospital since the danger of infection to the nursing staff is much increased by the extra fatigue caused by their having to perform 1306 domestic work in addition to their nursing duties; and what steps he proposes to take to improve the position.
§ Mr. IsaacsI am aware of the shortage of domestic staff at the Colindale Hospital. The local office has filled nine domestic vacancies since October last, including a vacancy for an assistant cook a week or so ago. They are doing their best to fill the remaining vacancies for domestic assistants.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs the Minister aware that the situation shown in this Question and answer addspoint to my continuous requests to him to reconsider the matter of bringing over domestic workers from the Continent and employing them here?
§ Mr. IsaacsAt the same time it lends point to my repeated answers that the people concerned in the administration of this industry have come to an understanding about wages and working conditions and they have been put in force. A publicity scheme is going on to encourage people to come into the industry, and until we see how it is going to work we are not going toarrange wholesale importations from the Continent.
§ Earl WintertonIs the Minister aware that the British Hospitals Association have a special committee dealing with this matter and is he in official communication with them?
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir, and not only in official communication, but it is only right to say that they and other hospital organisations are co-operating most earnestly and sincerely and have contributed to building up standards in the industry which should encourage further recruitment.