§ 2. Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Health how many almoners and student almoners, respectively, are now employed in the hospital service.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Bernard Braine)One thousand and twenty-two whole-time equivalents last September. The number of students attached to hospitals is not known.
§ Mr. BoydenWould not the Joint Parliamentary Secretary agree that the total number is far from adequate and that the rate of increase is deplorable?
§ Mr. BraineI would agree that most hospitals would like to recruit more almoners, but I am glad to say that the numbers in post are increasing, though not as rapidly as we would like.