HC Deb 16 June 1958 vol 589 c48W
57. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health the terms of reference of the working party set up to consider the medical staffing structure of the hospitals.

Mr. Walker-Smith

To study, in the light of experience of the hospital service since 1948 and of all other relevant considerations, the principles on which the medical staffing structure in the hospital service should be organised.

58. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health what member of the Hospitals Staffing Working Party is qualified to assess the special needs of the mental hospitals in relation to medical staffing; and whether, in view of the composition of the working party, it is his intention to exclude from their consideration the problem of mental hospital staffing.

Mr. Walker-Smith

As the terms of reference indicate, the working party is to study the principles on which the medical staffing structure should be organised and not the number of staff required by individual hospitals. The working party is well equipped to cover the hospital service generally and I see no reason to modify its terms of reference.