§ 46. Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Health if he will now take immediate steps to meet the management side of the Nurses and Midwives Functional Council so that, in joint consultation, steps can be taken to re-examine existing salary scales and the policy for a recruitment drive in the profession.
§ Mr. PowellThe question of a recruitment drive is outside the field of the Whitley Councils. I am available to management sides whenever that might be of assistance, but must continue to expect them to be guided by the Government's wages policy.
§ 50. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Health if he will set up a committee to inquire into the conditions under which hospital nurses are working, with especial reference to the hours they spend on day and night duty.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Health if he will issue advice to hospitals urging that nurses guilty of indiscipline should not be punished by wearing a distinctive gown for a set period.