HC Deb 05 December 1966 vol 737 cc932-3
10. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Minister of Health what is the average salary of a full-time hospital chaplain; how many are employed by the National Health Service; and how many have living accommodation provided in or near hospital premises.

Mr. Loughlin

The average of the salary scale is £1,327 plus a house or an allowance in lieu; 110 at 30th September, 1965; about 50.

Mrs. Short

Is 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. Loughlin

I 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.