§ 10. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Minister of Health what is the average salary of a full-time hospital chaplain; how 933 many are employed by the National Health Service; and how many have living accommodation provided in or near hospital premises.
§ Mr. LoughlinThe average of the salary scale is £1,327 plus a house or an allowance in lieu; 110 at 30th September, 1965; about 50.
§ Mrs. ShortIs my right hon. Friend aware that, in view of the shortage of money for the National Health Service in general and hospitals in particular, it would be a good idea if we were to ask the Church authorities if they would bear the costs of the chaplains' service?
§ Mr. LoughlinI am not sure that that would be feasible. I rather take the view that if we are providing a service to our patients—and I do not wish to be drawn into a discussion about the merits of one service against another; say, the medical as against the spiritual services—we should pay for it.