§ Sir G. Ellistonasked the Minister of Health what is the establishment of his nursing division; how many of these appointments are permanent; and whether he has in mind to extend this Department to meet the growing needs of public health nursing activities.
§ Mr. WillinkI assume that my hon. and gallant Friend's Question relates to the nursing staff employed in my Department and not to the administrative and other staff associated with it. The professional staff wholly engaged on nursing questions comprises one chief nursing officer, two deputy chief nursing officers and 23 nursing officers, of whom three are permanent. In addition there are on the public health side 18 officers with nursing qualifications. Discussions are proceeding as to the future complements.