§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland number; and location of health visitors for the elderly sick in Scotland; and what steps are being taken in Scotland to make that profession more attractive with a view to reducing the shortages of such visitors there.
§ Mr. MaclayNormally health visitors are not specifically appointed for the elderly sick, although some authorities employ some health visitors solely on this work. The staff now employed on health visiting duties in Scotland which is the equivalent of some 1,200 on a whole-time basis is generally adequate although not all are fully qualified. Many of the recommendations in the Report of the Working Party on Health Visiting were designed to encourage recruitment and my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Health and I are giving them active consideration.