HC Deb 24 February 1948 vol 447 c1754
32. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the rate of demobilisation for army nurses and sisters; how many now remain in India; and what is the average period of service the nursing staff have to complete before they can expect demobilisation.

Mr. Shinwell

The rate of release for Army nursing officers is an average of 78 per month. The number of Army nursing officers now in India is 22. The average length of service of nursing officers now being released is three years, two months.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that quite a number of these nursing sisters are most anxious to get home and are feeling the strain very considerably? Can anything be done to expedite the repatriation of those who have served the longer periods?

Mr. Shinwell

As long as we have some units in this area, we must have some nursing sisters to take care of them if anything goes wrong. We are endeavouring to release them as rapidly as possible.

Mr. Sorensen

Would it be possible for some of the nursing sisters serving here to be transferred overseas in order to release those who have been serving for a long time?

Mr. Shinwell

I hardly think that would be desirable in the circumstances.