§ 59. Dr. CHAPPLEasked the Minister of Health whether he has yet consulted the Law Officers of the Crown as to the plight of existing nurses who, notwithstanding an order of this House giving them access to the State register of nurses, have been denied this right by reason of the fact that the interpretation of the Act by the Nursing Council gave them only one week within which to apply for registration?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYYes, Sir. I am advised by the Law Officers that the view adopted by the General Nursing Council was the correct construction of the Statute.
§ Dr. CHAPPLEDoes that mean that these nurses have no resource but to go to law, and, if that be so, will the Minister recompense them for any loss providing they prove themselves to be right?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI am afraid I do not understand the implication of the question.
§ Dr. CHAPPLEIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a large number of nurses are excluded from the register because of a decision given by the Nursing Council. The Law Officers advise that the decision of the Nursing Council is correct. Does that mean that a nurse must go to law if she thinks she is in the right and the Nursing Council in the wrong, and if she takes it to the Court will the right hon. Gentleman indemnify the nurse if she proves to be right?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI do not think there is any obligation on the nurses to go to law.
§ Dr. CHAPPLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the nurse has no redress unless she goes to law. If she goes to law because of this decision by the Nursing Council, will the right hon. Gentleman indemnify the nurse if she proves to be right?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYThe question referred to nurses who do not make application within the time. I am sure my hon. Friend must realise that if I announce that I would indemnify all nurses against any loss incurred in litigation the Courts would be kept busy for some considerable time.
§ Dr. CHAPPLErose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERFurther questions must be put on the Paper.