§ Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the shortage of nursing staff in Scottish hospitals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossThe number of nurses in the hospital service in Scotland as a whole has continued to increase in recent years. However, the demands on the service are also increasing and there are shortages in certain localities. The boards of management and regional boards, which have immediate responsibility for nurse staffing, are taking all possible steps to deal with the situation. Officers of my Department and regional boards are keeping the position under continuous review.