§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many schemes similar to that of the Brent health district's "Back to Nursing" campaign have been notified to his Department; what encouragement he is giving to such schemes; if he will issue advice on the lines of the article in the Wembley Observer sent to him by the hon. Member for Brent, South; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanI welcome the increase in "Back to Nursing" campaigns, such as the one described in theWembley Observer. There is no requirement for individual schemes to be notified to the Department, but they have our general encouragement and we are currently re- 260W viewing the publicity material which we provide for use by authorities in such campaigns. The Department has also been involved in discussions with the Manpower Services Commission aimed at making more effective use of job centre facilities in nurse recruitment. Nurse bank schemes, which have been commended to National Health Service authorities, make a useful contribution, particularly in providing nurses to fill temporary gaps in staffing.