§ Mr. Joel Barnettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from nurses organisations on the subject of working hours in hospitals.
§ Mr. AlisonWe have received representations from one organisation about320W implementation of the recommendation of the National Board for Prices and Incomes on the introduction of straight shift systems in hospitals. We also received an approach from the Staff Side of the Nurses and Midwives Whitley Council about the possibility of bringing forward the operative date of 1st January, 1972, agreed by the Whitley Council for the reduction of weekly hours from 42 to 40.
§ Mr. Joel Barnettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate he has made of the effect of nurses hours on the amount of wastage in the profession.
§ Mr. AlisonNone of the published surveys of student nurse wastage identify hours of duty as a significant cause of wastage. In so far as it may be a contributing factor the introduction of a 40 hour week from January next should help overcome it. Qualified staff who are unable to work the full hours have opportunities of part-time employment.