§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the increasingly serious situation in mental hospitals through the withdrawal of male nurses to the Fighting Forces; and whether he is considering the possibility of an extension of the Essential Work Order to cover the need of these hospitals?
§ Miss HorsbrughAs regards withdrawal of male nurses for the Forces, no change has been made in the Schedule of Reserved Occupations. Male nurses over 30 are not called up, and those under 30 are called up only for service in their profession. Applications for deferment of individuals receive full consideration by my right hon. Friend and in suitable cases recommendations for deferment are made to the Ministry of Labour and National Service. The Essential Work Order does not affect military service, but my right hon. Friend has under consideration the question whether an Order of similar effect should be made in respect of mental hospitals.