§ Mr. HOPE SIMPSONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in certain mental hospitals the full week's duty of attendants amounts to over 70 hours and that a full day's duty covers a period of 13½ hours' consecutive work; and whether it is proposed to take steps to make a reasonable reduction in these hours of duty?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYThe information in my possession does not show that the number of hours mentioned represents the average number of hours worked during the week or day in any institution. As I have already stated, the subject of the hours of work of nurses in mental hospitals is at present under the consideration of a Departmental Committee appointed to consider in what directions the nursing service in these hospitals can be improved.
§ Mr. SIMPSONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the hours of duty of the indoor nursing staff 1391W at mental hospitals are 66 per week; and whether, in view of the trying nature of this service, he can take steps to reduce the hours of work?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Devonport (Major Hore-Belisha) on the 30th of last month, of which I am sending him a copy.