HC Deb 24 January 1962 vol 652 c181
11. Dr. Dickson Mabon

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many nurses aged 21 have been promoted after due qualification to the position of staff nurse in 1959, 1960 and 1961; and what proportion of the qualified nursing staff aged 21 these figures represent, respectively.

Mr. Galbraith

All student nurses become staff nurses on registration if, at that time, they remain in general nursing. I regret that the details asked for by the hon. Member are not available.

Dr. Mabon

Will the hon. Gentleman agree that recent speeches on the recruitment of nurses have been misleading in the sense that they give the idea that the emoluments of nurses under the National Health Service are far higher than they are? Will he look at this matter in an attempt to try to get more nurses and in relation to the recent application for higher nursing pay?

Mr. Galbraith

I do not think that I can accept what the hon. Gentleman said at the beginning of his supplementary question. Quite frankly, I do not understand what he is trying to get at in his Question. If he will have a word with me afterwards, I will try to clear the air.