§ 33. Mrs. Castleasked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to alleviate the shortage of radiographers in the National Health Service.
§ Miss PittSteps taken include the extension of training facilities and the payment of training grants. The number of radiographers in training increased by one-third in the last two years.
§ Mrs. CastleWould not the hon. Lady agree that there is a very real shortage of radiographers in the National Health Service? Is it not due to low rates of pay and poor financial prospects in the National Health Service, which means that many men radiographers, in particular, are being attracted into industry? Although this is a matter for the Whitley Council, will not the Ministry state publicly that something ought to be done about these low salaries?
§ Miss PittThere is a shortage, again in part due to the competing claims for the services of girls, and this is mainly a women's profession. The Staff Side of the Whitley Council has just put in another application for an increase—the last was in February, 1959—and it is to be considered by the Whitley Council.
§ Dr. SummerskillWhat is the starting salary of a radiographer?
§ Miss PittI have not got that information, but if the right hon. Lady will put down a Question I will look into it.