§ Mr. Lomasasked the Minister of Health (1) how many nurses in the National Health Service are employed through agencies;
(2) if he will show in table form the salaries paid to nurses employed through agencies in the National Health Service;
(3) if he will state the conditions of employment in respect of nurses employed in the National Health Service 138W from agencies, in regard to annual leave, sickness payments, and superannuation.
§ Mr. RobinsonAt 30th September, 1964, hospitals were authorised to employ up to a total of 731 agency nurses—and 226 midwives. Hospitals employing these nurses pay fees to the agency not to the nurse. Available information suggests that fees average about £15 per week per nurse and charges may be paid in addition when the nurse is not resident in the hospital and for laundry and travelling. I understand that no fee is payable by a hospital for any period when an agency nurse is absent on holiday or is sick. Superannuation is not my responsibility.