asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the difficulties at present being experienced by district nursing associations owing to the shortage of Queen's Nurses and the need for securing the utmost possible degree of co-ordination between the various types of nursing services, he will allow Civil Defence nurses, who are at present not fully employed, to supplement the work of the district nursing associations?

As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, arrangements are being made for the release for service elsewhere of approximately one-third of the whole-time nursing personnel at first-aid posts. I will consider the suggestion of my hon. Friend in connection with these releases.