§ Mr. Speedasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to use volunteer workers in hospitals instead of certain paid personnel as 22W stated in the departmental circular HM(69)58 issued recently; and if he will publicise his plans and give support to voluntary organisations such as the Women's Royal Voluntary Service to help them recruit extra volunteers who will be needed.
§ Mr. CrossmanHM(69)58 re-affirmed my wish to encourage and develop the growth of voluntary work for hospitals to the maximum. It also drew the attention of hospital authorities to the possible value of appointing paid organisers of voluntary services and the need for consultation with existing local voluntary organisations when such an appointment is contemplated. It is for each hospital management committee to decide how best the use of volunteers can be encouraged and increased locally. I am confident that the Women's Royal Voluntary Service and other voluntary organisations will continue to make a major contribution to this growth.