§ 63. Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many temporary nurses were hired by the National Health Service hospitals from private agencies during each of the past three years; and what was the total extra cost to the National Health Service over and above the cost of employing regular staff for the same duties.
§ Mr. CrossmanThe numbers in post at 31st March, 1966, 1967 and 1968, were 1,291, 1,139 and 1,431 respectively. The total extra cost is not known, but such information as is available suggests that it may not be great.