HC Deb 02 August 1923 vol 167 cc1697-9
32. Dr. CHAPPLE

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, in regard to existing nurses under Section 3 (2) (c) of the Nurses' Registration Act, 1919, a new rule first came into operation on 7th July, 1923; that the words enabling persons who within a period of two years after the date on which the rule to be made first comes into operation grant to an existing nurse the right to apply for registration up to 7th July, 1925; and whether, seeing these points are in dispute, and in view of the continuing hardship to bona fide nurses that is arising from a misinterpretation of the Statute, he will consult the Law Officers of the Crown upon the subject?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Lord Eustace Percy)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third parts, my right hon. Friend is unable to accept a construction based on a mis-quotation of the Statute, and sees no necessity to consult the Law Officers on the matter.

Dr. CHAPPLE

Might I ask the Noble Lord whether the General Nursing Council read the words "a rule" instead of "the rules" which they are required by law to do, and, if so, will he consult the Law Officers of the Crown as to whether the words "when a first rule comes into operation" are different from the words "when a rule first comes into operation," and will he consult the Law Officers upon the point, in view of the fact that a large number of nurses are suffering a grievous injury, and many more may suffer from the misconception of this Clause?

Lord E. PERCY

As far as I can understand the hon. Gentleman he is merely repeating his original misquotation.

Dr. CHAPPLE

Will the Noble Lord say what is the misquotation?

Lord E. PERCY

Yes. I will. The hon. Member has converted the plural in the Statute into the singular.

Mr. SPEAKER

I think this matter had better be pursued in private.

Dr. CHAPPLE

On a point of Order. Might I ask the Noble Lord whether, according to the law since 1850, the plural does not include the singular and vice versa.