§ 94. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health to what extent has the 40-hour week for nurses been implemented in hospitals; and what administrative difficulties have arisen therefrom.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe hon. Member may be under some misapprehension. The Whitley Council recommended that an 88-hour fortnight (equivalent to a 44-hour not 40-hour week) should be brought into national operation
as soon as conditions permit, having regard to the availability of staff and subject always to the requirements of the service.As a first step towards this objective, hospitals have been trying to reduce hours with their existing resources.