HC Deb 10 March 1999 vol 327 cc258-9W
Mrs. Laing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many NHS nursing vacancies there were at the latest available date. [74515]

Mr. Galbraith

As at 31 March 1998, there were 1,097 whole-time equivalent qualified nursing staff vacancies in the NHS in Scotland. This represents a vacancy rate of 3.5 per cent. part of which is turnover.

From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.