HC Deb 22 March 1994 vol 240 cc127-8
9. Mr. Health

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been made of the progress in implementing the Project 2000 initiative.

Dr. Mawhinney

The Comptroller and Auditor General reported on the implementation of Project 2000 in December 1992.

The final report from the National Foundation for Educational Research, which was commissioned by the Department to undertake an independent evaluation of the implementation of Project 2000, was published on 15 February.

Mr. Heald

Can my hon. Friend confirm that this important training scheme is being fully and properly funded? Does he agree that the early success of the scheme, coupled with the 50 per cent. increase in real terms in nurses' pay since 1979, shows the commitment of the Government to nursing, not only in North Hertfordshire but in the country at large?

Dr. Mawhinney

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to draw attention to the Government's commitment to that important project. We share that commitment with the nursing profession and, I believe, with others from all parties. Since 1989, the Government have invested £321 million to introduce the reforms.

Mr. George Howarth

Does the Minister accept that the nursing profession will greet the proposals with a great deal of cynicism if the proposals to halve the numbers of highly trained, skilled school nurses in St Helens and Knowsley go ahead? Does that not mean that possible cures through the school nursing service for the terrible health problems that people in St Helens and Knowsley often experience will simply be cut off?

Dr. Mawhinney

The people of St Helens and Knowsley will want nurses who are trained to the highest possible degree, and that is what they will get with Project 2000.