§ 57. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why hospitals are being told to discharge every nurse over 60 years of age who has achieved full pension rights.
§ Mr. MeacherWe have given no such instruction. 60 is the normal pensionable104W age for female nurses, but authorities have discretion to defer retirement in the individual case.
§ Mr. Penhaligonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many nurses are employed in NHS hospitals; and how many vacancies are currently unfilled.
§ Mr. MeacherOn 30th September 1974, 272,239 nurses and midwives in whole time equivalents were employed in NHS hospitals in England. Information on vacancies is not available centrally.