asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that in the South Ockendon Colony for mental defectives in Essex, the nursing staff is less than 50 per cent. of actual requirements; that a young student nurse is often in complete charge of 50 to 60 patients; and, pending an improvement in the nursing situation, if he will agree to an extra allowance being paid to such student nurses in recognition of the additional work and responsibility.

I am aware that, as a result of the widespread shortage of nurses, the position on the female side of the Colony is as stated in the first two parts of the Question. As regards the last part of the Question, any proposals for amendment of the recommendations of the Rushcliffe Sub-Committee on the salaries of mental nurses, which are of national application, should be made to the Sub-Committee.