§ Major COLFOXasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that nurses in the hospitals of the Metropolitan Asylums Board work continuously for 13 hours a day for a salary of only £30 a year, going on duty at 7 a.m. and leaving off at 8 p.m.; that when they come off duty they are expected, two or three times a week, to attend lectures from 8.15 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.; and whether he will take steps to improve these conditions?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYThe conditions of service of nurses employed by the Metropolitan Asylums Board are within the discretion of the managers. I will, however, communicate with them and inform the hon. Member of their reply.
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in certain mental hospitals the members of the staff have to work 66 hours per week; and whether, in view of the character of their duties, he will consider including these workers within the scope of any Eight Hours Bill under the Washington Convention and, alternatively, whether he will promote separate legislation to effect this object?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 26th May to a similar question by the hon. Member for Blaydon (Mr. Whiteley).