§ 21. Mr. Messerasked the Minister of Health what is the total number of recruits enrolled in the National Hospital Service Reserve; and whether he is satisfied with the progress made.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Blenkinsop)The number of recruits is now 14,675. Since in the event of war the hospital and first-aid services would need about 80,000 additional nurses, I cannot regard the present rate of progress as satisfactory.
§ Mr. MesserCan the Parliamentary Secretary say what action his Department is taking to deal with what is an admittedly serious situation?
§ Mr. BlenkinsopYes, Sir. The two voluntary organisations, the Red Cross and the St. John Ambulance Brigade, who have already done so much in this field, have undertaken a further special appeal to their members to join the National Hospital Service Reserve. We are undertaking a special publicity campaign this autumn together with some realistic practices in the field, which, I hope, will help to bring the numbers much above their present level.
§ Mr. MesserBut what inducement is being offered? It is not enough just to have publicity. These people must be offered some status if they are to be attracted.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopThat has already been set out very carefully in the leaflets that have been published. I think that both pay and status have been reasonably well looked after.