§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many nurses employed by agencies work at hospitals in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Alison2,696 agency nurses and midwives were employed in National Health Service hospitals in England and 215W Wales at 31st July, 1970. The number in Scotland is estimated at 25.
§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the weekly cost over and above that which would be payable to nursing staff on the basis of the remuneration laid down by the Nurses and Midwives Council.
§ Mr. AlisonI take the hon. Member to refer to the additional cost of employing agency nurses. This depends on the agencies' charges, which vary from one agency to another. An average figure is not available but in many cases the additional cost is small when account is taken of the paid sick leave, holiday and superannuation provisions for directly employed nurses.