HC Deb 28 March 1946 vol 421 c560
36. Sir T. Moore

asked the Minister of Health the number of patients at present in Service hospitals and the number of nurses retained to care for them; and the number of patients in the civil hospitals of Britain and the number of nurses in charge of them.

Mr. Bevan

I understand that the number of patients in Service hospitals in Great Britain is approximately 21,300, and the number of trained nurses 1,936. The figures for civil hospitals, not including mental, mental deficiency and maternity hospitals and institutions, are approximately 282,100 patients and 30,900 trained nurses.

Sir T. Moore

In view of the fact that these proportions are. obviously unfair and unbalanced, will the Minister not take some steps to equalise the burden of the nurses and the patients?

Mr. Bevan

I think that, when the hon. and gallant Member looks at my reply, he will see that the cold logic of the figures is in contradiction of his own subjective impressions.