§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Health to what extent there is at the present time a shortage of nurses in Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and what is, approximately, the size and form of this shortage.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithNo recent estimates are available covering the whole of
50W
§ Mr. MolsonAs was stated in the letter from my Department to the Vicar of St. Martin in the Fields which was published recently, I was advised that the presence of a crib might provoke controversy and possibly disorder. In this respect a crib differs from a Christmas tree. I therefore told the Vicar that, as I felt sure he would wish to avoid this risk, I thought it wiser not to have a crib and I hoped he would feel that the suggestion need not be taken further.
As the Vicar is continuing to press for a crib to be allowed, I am now reconsidering the matter. I have sought the advice of representative leaders of denominational thought and shall not reach a decision until I have received that advice and considered it.