HC Deb 09 February 1970 vol 795 c884
9. Mr. Lane

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further steps he is taking to improve the staffing situation in hospitals.

Mr. Crossman

Staffing needs are kept under continuous review by hospital authorities in the light of guidance given by my Department from time to time, and further studies of hospital organisation and staffing are in progress. There are shortages of staff in some areas but total numbers continue to increase.

Mr. Lane

Would not the right hon. Gentleman accept that a generous settlement of the nurses' current claim can only be a first step and that further action by the Government will be needed if we are not to have the absurdity of expensive capital equipment being seriously under-utilised because of financial stringency in current expenditure?

Mr. Crossman

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for underlining the fact that pay, although important, is by no means the only factor in maintaining and increasing the staff of the National Health Service. This is something with which I wholly agree.

Mr. Heffer

Would my right hon. Friend not agree that, in view of the considerable numbers of nurses and others working in the Health Service who come from Southern Ireland, the contribution to the debate on the Irish question by the right hon. Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Mr. Powell) is not particularly helpful in relation to the hospital staffing problem?

Mr. Crossman

For once my hon. Friend is understating his position.

Mr. Maurice Macmillan

Could the right hon. Gentleman let the House know the number of regional boards which are deliberately keeping their hospitals below full nursing establishment?

Mr. Crossman

I would have to have notice of that. I should be delighted to try to answer if the hon Gentleman will put a Question down.