HC Deb 03 February 1948 vol 446 cc1632-3
45. Viscountess Davidson

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the responsibilities which have been undertaken by the Government, under the Education Act, the Health Act, the Children's Bill and the Criminal Justice Bill, now under discussion, what steps the Ministries of Health and Education and the Home Office are taking to secure the training at Universities and other teaching centres for adequate personnel to work the Acts.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

The considerable expansion in the capacity of Universities, which has already taken place and will continue in the future, is designed to secure an adequate supply of graduates in various fields of employment, including the public services. Measures have also been taken for increasing training facilities, for example, through the emergency training scheme for teachers and the Ministry of Health's Scheme for post-graduate medical, including specialist, education and courses for training nurses, sanitary inspectors, physiotherapy teachers and remedial gymnasts. Special courses at Universities and other centres are available for child care workers and probation officers, and it is intended to arrange other courses later.

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

Could the right hon. Gentleman pass on to the Lord President of the Council the importance of encouraging the social sciences, as well as the physical sciences, because a number of Clauses in Bills which are now being considered will be inoperative unless we have an even larger number of these trained people?

The Prime Minister

I am sure my right hon. Friend was listening intently.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

What is a remedial gymnast; does he differ in any way from any other gymnast?

The Prime Minister

I think he is very different indeed.

Mr. George Thomas

Would the Prime Minister also bear in mind the necessity for much further financial assistance for those who are going into the medical profession, in order that this shall not be a closed shop so far as children of working people are concerned?

The Prime Minister

That is another question, which should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.