§ Mr. Anthony Grantasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many staff employed in National Health Service hospitals are currently engaged on domestic services, housekeeping services, home warden services and ancillary services; and what is the cost of the same.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe whole-time equivalent number of staff employed in the Health Service in the categories requested is given below. I regret that it is not possible to provide statistics for hospital staff alone.
ENGLAND, 30TH SEPTEMBER 1975 Domestic Services— in the Administrative and Clerical Group, excluding home wardens and assistants 1,292 home wardens 440 home warden assistants 139 1,871 in the Ancillaries Group 65,690 67,561 Catering Services— in the Administrative and Clerical Group 1,306 in the Ancillaries Group 29,270 30,576 Laundry Services— in the Administrative and Clerical Group 330 in the Ancillaries Group 8,991 9,321 Other Ancillary Staff (e.g. porters, drivers, Central Sterile Supplies Department staff, stores staff) 63,775 Total 173,103 Information is not separately available on the cost of the staff in those services who form part of the Administrative and Clerical Group. However, the total cost in 1975–76 of all staff in the Ancillaries Group, who form the great majority of those listed, was £535.8 million. For the overall cost of the services referred to, I would refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend's reply to him on 16th May.—[Vol. 932, c. 55–6.]