§ 21 Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health what proportion of the fully-trained mental nurses on the staff of hos- 2414 pitals and institutions are over the minimum retirement age for superannuation purposes.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI regret that this information is not available.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopDoes not the right hon. Gentleman feel that it would be worth while to try to make some inquiries about this matter, because it would much influence our judgment upon the seriousness of the shortage of mental nurses, as there is a general understanding that a 'high proportion of the fully-qualified mental nurses have very nearly, or have already, reached ordinary retirement age?
§ Mr. MacleodIt means a separate inquiry of each of the employing authorities. Perhaps we can leave the matter this way, that if the hon. Gentleman convinces me that there will be any real value in such an inquiry taking place, I will make one.