§ Mr. C. EDWARDSasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that at the Hellingly Asylum the East Sussex County Council employ female nurses in attendance on insane male patients; and whether, in view of the moral and physical dangers thus involved, he will take steps to prevent this practice?
§ Mr. NEVILLE CHAMBERLAINThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am unable to accept the assumption upon which the second part of the question is based. Medical superintendents who have had experience of the practice of nursing male patients by women nurses are practically unanimous in thinking that it is desirable in certain types of cases. I am advised that there are certain classes of patients who can be nursed by women nurses with great advantage to the patients and without risk to the nurses. I do not, therefore, propose to take action in the direction suggested by the hon. Member.