Mr. R. Duckworthasked the Minister of Health whether he will provide statistics showing the full hospital 744W accommodation of this country, whether provided by local authorities, voluntary effort, or other means; to what extent it is anticipated this accommodation is likely to be increased during the next few years; and what steps are now being taken to ensure that the resulting increased demand for nurses will be met?
§ Mr. BernaysI will furnish my hon. Friend with such information as is available in reply to the first part of the question, but my right hon. Friend is afraid that it is not possible for him to anticipate what, if any, increase in hospital accommodation is likely to occur within the next few years. As regards the third part of the question, my right hon. Friend has already informed the House that he is proposing to appoint a Departmental Committee to investigate certain important questions concerning the nursing profession. He hopes to announce the personnel and the terms of reference shortly.