§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the fact that back strain is a major cause of absenteeism in the nursing profession, he will provide financial support for a programme of preventive education within the National Health Service by the Back Pain Association.
§ Sir George YoungThe Back Pain Association already receives a grant from the Department made under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968. Instruction in the avoidance of back strain is already a part of nurse training and most hospitals have arrangements for in-service training by physiotherapists and other appropriate staff. It is open to health authorities if they wish to seek the assistance of the association in their training programmes. I am aware of, and welcome, the existing co-opera-500W tion between the Royal College of Nursing and the Back Pain Association in this field.