§ 14. Mr. Ray Powellasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many vacancies there are currently for State registered nurses in each health authority area in Wales.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThis is a matter for individual health authorities. Information about State registered nurse vacancies is not held centrally.
§ Mr. PowellIs it not true that there has been an escalation of ill-health in Wales as a direct result of Government policies increasing unemployment and increasing the burdens on workers in Wales, thus increasing the burdens on the National Health Service in Wales? Will he give serious consideration to nurses and their pay? Is he aware that despite the answer that he gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr. Coleman) earlier, their living standards have been substantially reduced, and that is why these angels of mercy are asking for better consideration from the Government than they have had in the past?
§ Mr. RobertsI do not agree with the hon. Gentleman that there is any straightforward connection between the nation's state of health and the unemployment figures, although I know that reports have been produced on the subject. I have already said that there has been a considerable increase in the number of nurses. I have also said that the Government's record on nurses' pay is good and that we are concerned about long-term arrangements for nurses' pay and conditions.