§ 16. Miss Herbisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the extent of the shortage of radiographers in Scottish hospitals; and what representations have been made to him on this matter.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. J. N. Browne)A survey made in May this year showed that the overall shortage of radiographers in Scottish hospitals was 5 per cent. My right hon. Friend has received letters on the matter from several hon. Members.
§ Miss HerbisonSince there is this overall shortage of 5 per cent., what steps is the Secretary of State going to take to ensure that that shortage will disappear? Is he aware that modern medical treatment and surgery is dependent to a great extent on the work of these radiographers? If this shortage continues and, indeed, becomes worse, will not the position be very serious for patients in Scotland?
§ Mr. BrowneI agree that the shortage of 5 per cent. is troublesome, but it is not alarming. The greatest percentage of deficiency is in the Eastern Region, and there the new training school at Dundee was opened in 1954 which, it is hoped, will improve the position.
§ Miss HerbisonIs not "troublesome" a strange word for the hon. Gentleman to use when referring to this shortage of 5 per cent.? Is he not aware that many medical people in Scotland regard it not as troublesome but as very serious indeed? Does the Secretary of State intend to do anything more than the Under-Secretary of State has mentioned?
§ Mr. BrowneI think the hon. Lady's fears are exaggerated. In any case, the shortage in Scotland is 5 per cent., whereas in England it is 16 per cent.