§ 44. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health what additional accommodation it is estimated will be provided for mental patients by proposed schemes of £100,000 capital value and over.
§ Mr. TurtonIn my reply to the hon. Member on 13th February last, I circulated a list of schemes costing over £100,000. These will provide about 5,650 beds, with appropriate services and staff accommodation.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs the right hon. Gentleman fully satisfied that he is prepared to provide the finance necessary not only for the capital needs of these schemes but also for their running expenses? Is he satisfied that he will be able to recruit the staff for them?
§ Mr. TurtonClearly, if we provide capital resources we take into account what will be the recurring maintenance cost. The question of staff is another problem. I am exercised about recruitment difficulties at the present time to mental and other hospitals. That is a matter to which we shall have to give more attention in the coming months.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of the Whitley machinery when he considers the recruitment of nurses?
§ Mr. TurtonI refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave earlier today to a similar Question.