§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to receive(a) the preliminary report and (b) the full report on the survey of nurse shortages from the Review Body for Nursing Staff, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonA sample survey of the number of whole-time equvalent funded nursing and midwifery posts vacant for more than three months at 31 March is carried out by the regional chairmen's secretariat on behalf of the Review Body for Nursing Staff, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine.
I am advised that whilst some preliminary results of the survey at 31 March 1987 have been sent to the review body, the final report will not be submitted to the review body until February 1988.
§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he intends to bring forward legislation to require private hospitals to contribute towards the cost of nurses' training.
§ Mr. NewtonWe expect shortly to open discussions with the private sector with the aim of encouraging a contribution to training needs which more closely matches their contribution to health care overall. We have, however, no present plans for legislation on this matter.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if, pursuant to his answer of 13 January,Official Report, columns 327–8, on nursing training expenditure, he will now break down these figures by regions.
§ Mr. NewtonThe information is in the table.
departmental review of the policy of centralising of radiotherapy treatment centres; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe Department's Standing Medical Advisory Committee is expected to give its views on the organisation of radiotherapy services shortly. Ministers 265W will consider these views as part of their review. An announcement will be made as soon as conclusions are reached.