asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in how many hospitals in Scotland women are employed as chaplain's whole-time assistants, and in how many as part-time assistants.

There is no grade of chaplain's assistant in the National Health Service. Hospital authorities may provide secretarial assistance for chaplains and many lay persons support chaplains in their work in various ways. If the hon. Member will let me know the kind of assistance he has in mind, I will try to provide the information.