70. Miss Wardasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the recommendation of the Rushcliffe Committee with regard to the payment of educational grants to sister tutors, he will accept, at any rate for an interim period, the standards of training already agreed by the Board of Education and the General Nursing Council in relation to pre-nursing courses in secondary and technical schools and implement the findings of the Committee without delay?
§ Mr. E. BrownAs I indicated in a reply to my hon. Friend on 15th instant, I think it will be best for me to defer consideration of this recommendation until the General Nursing Council have made Rules with a view to securing a recognised standard of training for sister tutors. Qualifications which are adequate for teachers in pre-nursing courses are not necessarily suitable for teachers of student nurses in hospitals.
Miss WardIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his whole policy with regard to nursing has been purely obstructionist, and will he please alter his policy?
§ Mr. BrownMr. Speaker, I hotly contest that. More has been done in my 2½ years at the Ministry than in 20 years. before.
Miss WardDoes the right hon. Gentleman believe that his answer will give satisfaction to the nursing profession?
§ Mr. BrownI am sure that the result of a recognised standard will give satisfaction, and nothing else would.