§ 79. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health the present staff deficiency in mental hospitals; how this compares with 1938 and the years since the end of the war; and what further consideration has been given to this matter.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThe estimated deficiency of nursing staff is now about 3,500 men and 7,600 women. In 1947, the first year for which figures are available, the estimated deficiency was 2,300 men and 7,000 women. The numbers employed have increased since 1947 by 1,200 men and 3,800 women (counting part-timers as a half), but the needs have increased at a greater rate. As regards the last part of the Question my right hon. Friend is not yet able to add to the reply he gave on 20th November last to the hon. Member for Sedgefield (Mr. Slater).