§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the aggregate number of persons in the direct employ of the National Health Service at 1st July, 1969 or the nearest convenient date in 1969.
§ Mr. CrossmanThe latest figures available for direct employees of the National Health Service in England and Wales are
Hospital and Specialist Services—616,085 as at 3rd March, 1969.Executive Council Services—8,160 as at 31st March, 1969.Local Authority (Health and Welfare) Services—219,649 as at 30th September, 1969.The Executive Council Services figure excludes general medical, dental and ophthalmic medical practitioners and opticians and pharmacists employed in premises under contract to Councils.