§ Mr. BRADYasked what are the terms on which hospital-trained nurses are em- 1572W ployed in the Army; and what pensions the Government will give such nurses who are invalided whilst in the Service?
§ Mr. FORSTERissued the following information:
— Pay. Initial Rate. Annual Increment. Maximum Rate. £ £ s. £ Matron 76 10 0 150 Sister 50 5 0 65 Staff Nurse 40 2 10 45 In addition, a matron-in-charge of the nursing arrangements in a hospital is entitled to charge-pay up to £30 per annum. Nurses below rank of matron temporarily employed who sign an agreement to serve for so long as required during the present emergency receive additional pay at the rate of £20 per annum.
Gratuity.
A gratuity at the following rates is issuable on the termination of engagement to nurses temporarily employed whose services have been satisfactory.
Matron £15 0 0 Sister 10 0 0 Staff Nurse 7 10 0 In addition free quarters and attendance, board and washing are provided or an allowance in lieu is given as well as a cloak and clothing allowance of £8 a year at home and £9 a year abroad.
At certain Colonial Stations a special allowance is issuable.
Pension.
The present scale of disability pensions is given in Army Order 151, of 1916, but the question of revising this scale is, I understand, now under the consideration of the Minister of Pensions.