Oral Answers to Questions — Farnborough Hospital (Matron's Leave).

– in the House of Commons at on 8 July 1941.

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Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Chislehurst

asked the Minister of Health why, as the result of a decision by the Ministry of Health, Miss Brown-low, matron at Farnborough Hospital, has been given indefinite leave of absence and is to remain in receipt of an inclusive salary of £500 a year; and in view of the appeals recently made for trained nurses, and in the interests of public economy, how does he justify his action?

Photo of Dame Florence Horsbrugh Dame Florence Horsbrugh , Dundee

The reasons for my right hon. Friend's action in this matter are indicated in an official letter sent to the council, a copy of which he is supplying to my hon. Friend.

Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Chislehurst

Will the hon. Lady ask the Minister of Health whether he does not think that, for the reasons given in my Question, it is quite inappropriate at this time to retire a fully-trained woman on indefinite leave of absence at a salary of £ 500a year, when she could be fully occupied?

Photo of Dame Florence Horsbrugh Dame Florence Horsbrugh , Dundee

Perhaps my hon. Friend will read the letter which my right hon. Friend has sent to the council.

Photo of Mr Irving Albery Mr Irving Albery , Gravesend

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the answer would interest many other hon. Members?

Photo of Mr Frederick Watkins Mr Frederick Watkins , Hackney Central

Will an effort be made to utilise the excellent technical knowledge of Miss Brownlow at an early opportunity, instead of compelling her to idleness while in receipt of £500 a year?

Photo of Dame Florence Horsbrugh Dame Florence Horsbrugh , Dundee

I do not think there is anything in my answer to show that the lady is compelled to idleness. I think the point should be taken up as to what she wishes to do while on leave of absence.

Photo of Sir Geoffrey Mander Sir Geoffrey Mander , Wolverhampton East

Will the hon. Lady arrange for the letter to be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Photo of Dame Florence Horsbrugh Dame Florence Horsbrugh , Dundee

My right hon. Friend would be quite willing that the letter should be published if Miss Brownlow agreed.

Photo of Sir Frederick Messer Sir Frederick Messer , Tottenham South

Is it not the case that if she is on leave with pay, she cannot take other work?

Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Chislehurst

Who is master of the Ministry of Health, Miss Brownlow or the Minister?

Photo of Dame Florence Horsbrugh Dame Florence Horsbrugh , Dundee

In a case like this, I think it would only be fair that, before the official letter sent by my right hon. Friend to the council concerning this case was made public, Miss Brownlow should, if possible, be informed