§ 42. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is now taking to increase the number of health visitors for the elderly sick in Scotland.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. J. N. Browne)An increase in the number of health visitors for this purpose, as for others, depends mainly on improved recruitment to the profession. Means of securing this are under consideration by the working party on the work, recruitment and training of health visitors, whose report is expected later this year.
§ Mr. HughesWhile thanking the Under-Secretary of State for that reply, may I ask whether he realises that this very useful service is under-staffed and under-paid, and that the conditions are bad? Will he do something to make the service more attractive to new entrants?
§ Mr. BrowneYes; we can none of us be satisfied that there are enough health visitors, but we are awaiting the report of the Nurses and Midwives Whitley Council, about which the hon. and learned Gentleman asked a Question on 8th March.