§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the percentage change in the numbers of nursing and midwifery staff, whole-time equivalents, in(a) the north-west region and (b) England as a whole, between 1978 and the latest available year.
§ Mr. NewtonBetween 30 September 1978 and 30 September 1986 National Health Service nursing and midwifery staff (including agency staff) in North Western regional health authority and England, increased by 14.7 and 20.4 per cent. respectively. These percentages have not been adjusted to take account of the reduction in hours introduced during 1980–81.