HC Deb 06 March 1978 vol 945 cc485-6W
Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many area health authorities have vacancies for nursing staff which they are unable to fill because of shortage of funds.

Mr. Moyle

Nursing establishments are determined locally within authorities' financial allocations and therefore, I regret, this information is not held centrally.

Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy about the numbers of nurse training places required; the amount of money needed to be allocated to the employment of nurses, and manpower planning policies in relation to nurses; and how these are monitored in view of the fact that he does not collect basic information includ- ing the number of hospital beds vacant for lack of nurses.

Mr. Moyle

Health authorities are responsible for determining the level of nursing services they provide, having regard to the availability of the necessary funds and staff. Their provision of basic nurse training places should take account of future need for qualified nurses and their ability to provide the requisite educational experience. My Department examines but does not monitor available national statistics, drawing health authorities' attention to trends that give cause for concern. As the NHS planning and information systems develop our manpower planning capability will improve.

Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many nurses completed their training last year.

Mr. Moyle

During 1977 in England and Wales 35,538 persons were examined or assessed for the registers and rolls, 27,911 for the first time. 26,739 were successful.