HC Deb 07 November 1979 vol 973 c223W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many community psychiatric nurses are in post at present; and whether this reflects the need as assessed by his Department.

Sir George Young

I have no precise statistical data on the number of community psychiatric nurses in post in England, but it has been estimated there were about 1,500 in 1978. It is for health authorities to determine their staffing needs in the light of their particular circumstances and bearing in mind national policies.