HC Deb 07 December 1954 vol 535 cc37-8W
Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that facilities are no longer available in Eire for the recruitment of nurses for the National Health Service; and what alternative arrangements he is making.

Mr. Watkinson

The liaison office of the Ministry of Labour in Dublin, which used, among other functions, to assist girls from the Irish Republic in making arrangements to take up nursing work in hospitals in this country, was closed in October last. Hospital authorities within the National Health Service have been informed of the closure and advised to make their own arrangements with applicants who wish to enter nursing employment or training in Great Britain. There is no reason to suppose that the closing of the office will have any substantial effect on the numbers coming forward.