§ Mr. Hoyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the improved conditions announced for nurses, he will state what steps are being taken for improving the conditions of those engaged in domestic employment in hospitals, including a scheme of superannuation.
§ Mr. BuchananThe paper entitled "The Staffing of Hospitals," recently published by the Government, announced a detailed code of working conditions which it is our aim, in agreement with the interests concerned, to see provided for domestic workers in hospitals as well as a code for nurses. I am sending the hon. Member a copy. With regard to the rates of pay and conditions of service of such workers, discussions are at present going on between the local authorities and the voluntary hospitals with a view to establishing negotiating machinery which will cover all hospitals in Scotland. Negotiations are well advanced, and I hope that one of the things that will be considered will be the question of superannuation for domestic workers in hospitals.