§ 6. Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will offer commissions to all male State registered nurses who are serving or will be recruited in all three Services, in order to end the present discrimination against male nurses.
§ Mr. BuckNo, Sir. My right hon. Friend, my hon. Friends and I are, however, looking into ways in which the career structure for male nurses in the three Services can best be improved.
§ Mr. HardyOne hopes that the hon. Gentleman will not try to defend the indefensible. Does he not agree that it is time that there was progress in this matter, since its consideration has been very protracted? If the Government say that they are opposed to sex discrimination in employment, would it not be appropriate first to put their own house in order in this respect?
§ Mr. BuckWhat the hon. Gentleman has in mind is the recommendations in the Jarret Committee's report. With respect, that was published only on 23rd October. We are giving close and detailed scrutiny to this complex report.