§ 19. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health what reduction there has been in the number of hospital pharmacists during the past two years; and whether 2273 any hospital out-patient pharmacy departments have had to be closed for lack of staff.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI regret that figures for 1953 are not available but there was a small increase in 1952 compared with 1951. So far as my information goes, one hospital out-patient pharmacy department has had to be closed for lack of staff.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWould the Minister keep an eye on this position, since I understand that there has been some difficulty in recruiting staff for hospitals; and would he see whether anything more can be done to encourage further recruitment?
§ Mr. MacleodYes, certainly. I was rather surprised to see from these figures that there has been a small increase every year since 1949. I know there are such difficulties, and it is one problem that I am watching.