§ 14. Mr. Deanasked the Minister of Health v/hat effects British membership of the European Economic Community would have on this country's nurses' training and qualification arrangements.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonI am advised that there would be no immediate effects on the arrangements for nurses' training and qualifications; but it is an aim of the Community to harmonise these arrangements in Member States.
§ Mr. DeanIn view of that, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is now a regular exchange of information between the health authorities in this country and those in the E.E.C. countries, which could be of mutual benefit?
§ Mr. RobinsonOf course we keep in touch. I understand that work is beginning in Brussels on defining minimum qualifications on the basis of which nurses would be able to practise in all member States and the possibility of drawing up a model basic training is being considered.
§ Mr. PavittCan my right hon. Friend say if in the event of the interchange of medical qualifications being ratified on 1st January, 1968, this will cover nurses as well as doctors?
§ Mr. RobinsonNo, I do not believe it would but there is a Question down for answer later on the medical arrangements.