§ 71. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health to what extent the reduced hours per fortnight worked by hospital nursing staffs are now in operation; how far this has led to the need of increasing the number of nurses; how the number of nurses and student nurses employed today compares with the previous recorded figures; and whether the recruitment of overseas student nurses from within and from outside the Commonwealth, respectively, continues at the same rate as formerly.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI have asked hospital authorities to let me have up to date information about the introduction of the 88-hour fortnight and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as this is available. The numbers of nursing staff and student nurses at 31st March, 1959, the latest date for which there are figures, were the highest ever recorded. Overseas nurses continue to give much valuable service; but I regret that precise figures of the numbers at present in training are not available.