HC Deb 27 April 1939 vol 346 cc1313-4
66. Mr. Batey

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that probationer nurses have to pay £2 each before they can sit for their preliminary examinations, and nearly £4 before they can sit for the final examinations; who receives this money, and why it should be paid by probationer nurses?

Mr. Elliot

The fees payable are £2 2s. for the preliminary examination, and £3 3s. for the final examination. They are paid to the General Nursing Council, and are used to defray the cost of the examinations. As regards the last part of the question, the hon. Member will be aware that it is usual for students to pay the fees for professional examinations such as these.

Mr. Batey

Are not these rather heavy fees for young girls to have to pay simply to sit for an examination?

Mr. Elliot

I do not think they are out of the ordinary for professional examinations.

Mr. Lipson

Could the Minister give authority to the local authorities to pay out of their grants the fees of probationers in municipal and county hosiptals?

Mr. Elliot

I am afraid that that does not arise out of the question on the Paper.