HC Deb 15 July 1943 vol 391 cc354-5
37. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Health which recommendations of the Rushcliffe Report he is now implementing; and on what date those which are directly concerned with his Department have come into operation?

Mr. E. Brown

As I have already informed the House, I have commended to hospital authorities the recommendations of the Nurses Salaries Committee as to salaries, emoluments, and conditions of service. I am not sure to what my hon. Friend refers in the second part of the Question, but I take it that she has in mind the suggestion that an educational grant should be made to assist nurses to take courses of training as sister tutors. The Nurses Act, 1943, has given the General Nursing Council power to frame rules with a view to securing a recognised standard, and when these rules are made and approved I shall give further consideration to this recommendation of the Committee.

Miss Ward

Has the specific recommendation in the Rushcliffe Report in fact been put into operation by the right hon. Gentleman's Department?

Mr. Brown

I have said not, for the reason that the General Nursing Council are considering the framing of rules. It is not a matter that can be done by a stroke of the pen.

Miss Ward

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Rushcliffe Committee were aware of the position? Is the General Nursing Council going to report shortly?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Lady will understand that since the Rushcliffe Committee was appointed by me I will naturally do my best.