§ Mr. Gourlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the nature of the instruction issued by him to the regional hospital boards to effect reductions in nursing and domestic staff, and to economise in the provision of meals to patients and staffs in hospitals.
§ Mr. NobleI have issued no such instruction. Regional Boards have been reminded by my Department that they must contain their revenue expenditure162W for the current year within the amount authorised and their attention has been specifically drawn to the critical importance of controlling staff numbers. The Boards themselves, as is their duty, are drawing the attention of Boards of Management to other particular items of expenditure that seem to be relatively high and to require closer control.