§ Lord Molloyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, under the terms of Section 64 of the Health Service and Public Health Act 1968, they will make adequate financial provision for the Nurses' Welfare Service, in view of fears that funding difficulties will precipitate its closure.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Baroness Trumpington)The Nurses' Welfare Service is administered by a trust which is an autonomous voluntary body supported by charitable organisations, health authorities and the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting. It would not be appropriate to provide a grant from central funds under Section 64 of the 1968 Act because such grants are not normally paid to organisations providing services which are limited to the employees of a particular profession with a distinct employer. I can only suggest that the trust looks to other sources for any help it may require.