§ 47. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning the hardship caused to nurses as a result of now having to pay for all meals taken at hospital whilst on duty; and if he will take steps to eliminate this practice or otherwise relieve the effects it is having on the nursing profession.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonI have received no representations about the new arrangements, which have been agreed by the Nurses and Midwives Whitley Council under which resident nurses where practicable pay for their meals as they take them instead of paying a fixed annual charge. £106 has been deducted from the fixed charge for board and lodging to take account of this change. If there are difficulties in any particular hospital, I shall be glad to look at them. Any review of the agreement, which applies to all resident nursing staff, would be a matter for the Nurses and Midwives Whitley Council.