§ 13. Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how he intends to monitor the implementation of the new clinical grading structure for nurses.
§ Mr. NewtonBy means of guidance from my Department, visits by officials, and returns from all health authorities showing how many staff have been allocated to each of the new grades from each old grade.
§ Dr. MarekWill the Minister give a clear and unequivocal assurance that all the money necessary will be found by the Government for health authorities to enable them to staff all established posts, as opposed to all posts currently filled?
§ Mr. NewtonHealth authorities' establishment requirements are for them to determine within the total of their overall resources. We have committed ourselves to providing, and have provided, the additional money required to fund in full the recent pay award.
§ Mr. FavellCan my right hon. Friend say when a response will be made to Project 2000? Will he reject proposals to train nurses away from wards? Does he agree that the best learning experience is practical experience?
§ Mr. NewtonI hope that we will respond to Project 2000 quite shortly. We certainly intend any proposal to ensure that the training of nurses continues to have a strong practical element.