§ 47. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Defence if he will cease recruiting women for the Armed Forces in Scotland until there is a sufficient number of nurses needed for hospitals and sanatoria treating tuberculosis.
§ Mr. AlexanderNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HughesCan we take it that it is not the function of the Minister of Defence to defend us against tuberculosis? Does he realise that in Scotland the figures are worse than for 20 years and that we need 5,000 nurses? Does he not think they are more necessary in hospitals than in the Forces?
§ Mr. AlexanderMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will answer about disease in Scotland and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour about recruitment of labour. I am sure the hon. Gentleman does not wish to deny Scotswomen the same freedom of choice as to what they do as exists in other parts of the country.