§ Sir C. Edwardsasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the position of the hospitals in Monmouthshire through their inability to secure staff and nurses; that one maternity hospital has been closed altogether and another has to limit the number of patients it can take after a certain date; and if he will endeavour to secure the release of suitable persons from the Services who are willing to engage in hospital work.
§ Mr. BevanYes, Sir; the matter has been fully discussed with representatives of the county council, who have agreed to consider the provision of nursing training facilities within the county, as a means of easing the situation. There are already arrangements for the release in Class B from the Women's Auxiliary Services of suitable women who are willing to engage in hospital work, and a special appeal has been made to all nurses released from the Forces in Class A to resume civilian nursing as soon as possible.
§ Sir J. Mellorasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that some local authorities are proposing, under Part II of the Nurses Act, 1943, to regulate, under certain circumstances, the maximum earnings of nurses employed by hospitals and private patients; and whether, in view of the Minister's recent proposal to increase nurses' earnings, he will take steps to prevent local control of this nature.
§ Mr. BevanI am not aware that authorities have yet attached a condition to the effect stated by the hon. Member, and I assume that they would take account of any increased scales.