HC Deb 24 January 1949 vol 460 cc559-60
48. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a broadcast appeal for recruits to the nursing profession.

The Prime Minister

The need of the nursing profession for more recruits remains very urgent although I am glad to say that there has recently been a very welcome increase in the numbers joining this profession. Ways and means of stimulating recruitment are under constant review by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service, assisted by a National Advisory Council. It is not my intention at present to broadcast on this subject as suggested by the hon. Member.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Prime Minister aware of the alarming increase in tuberculosis in Scotland and that we are 5,000 nurses short, and does not he think it would stimulate recruiting in this profession if he and senior Cabinet Ministers agreed to broadcast on the subject?

The Prime Minister

The proposal to do so has not been made to me, so I have never agreed or disagreed about it. At present, I think that recruits are coming along much better. Of course, we will take into account any way of stimulating recruitment.

Mr. McGovern

If the right hon. Gentleman considers it desirable that an appeal should be made on the B.B.C., would he contemplate giving that task to the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Food?