§ 22. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health if he will estimate the number of girl leavers from the secondary schools of England and Wales who took up nursing in the years 1956, 1957 and 1958, respectively; how far this falls short of an adequate intake; and what steps he is taking to increase these numbers.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe number of female entrants to nurse training in England and Wales in 1956, 1957 and the first three months of 1958 were, respectively, 20,877, 20,887 and 5,801. So far as can be judged these numbers 17 should be fully adequate to meet the requirements of the nursing services, but there is still a need to reduce wastage by good selection and other measures.
§ Mr. JohnsonWhile welcoming those figures, may I ask whether on close examination they do not show geographical maldistribution; in other words, that the Midlands, places like Coventry and Rugby, are short of recruits while London is turning numbers of student nurses away? What is the right hon. and learned Gentleman doing to cure that situation?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithSince the hon. Gentleman has raised the question of distribution as distinct from entry to the nursing profession, the National Consultative Committee on the Recruitment of Nurses and Midwives is undertaking a special and detailed study of the question of distribution, and I am sure it will take note of the observations of the hon. Gentleman.