HC Deb 13 December 1954 vol 535 cc1380-1
50. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Health approximately how many nurses and student nurses in hospitals, respectively, have come from British Colonies, from India, Pakistan and Ceylon, from foreign countries and from Eire.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I regret that separate information on this is not available.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the Minister aware that from time to time figures have been produced in this House concerning the number of girls from the Colonies? In these circumstances, if such figures are obtainable, would it not be possible to obtain figures for this category of girls?

Mr. Macleod

I will make more inquiries, but I am told that returns from hospitals do not distinguish An this way. Therefore, the only help I can give is with regard to girls from foreign countries—and not from the Commonwealth—who need a Ministry of Labour permit. I am told that 1,000 such permits were issued in the first six months of this year.

Mr. Sorensen

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the total number of girls of all kinds from overseas who are serving the hospitals very well indeed at the present time?

Mr. Macleod

I do not think that I could do that without a special return being made, and I do not think that would be justified.