HC Deb 06 March 1945 vol 408 cc1842-3W
Mr. Naylor

asked the Minister of Health in how many cases he has approved the acceptance of Christian Science nurses for registration or enrolment as assistant nurses, as provided for in Part I of the Nurses Act, 1943; and what qualifications or experience are demanded prior to registration or enrolment of such nurses.

Mr. Willink

The question whether applicants for admission to the Roll of Assistant Nurses satisfy the conditions of admission is not for me but for the General Nursing Council. I am sending my hon. Friend an extract from the Rules of the General Nursing Council which set out the present conditions of admission to the Roll. Christian Science nurses as such would not satisfy those conditions. Perhaps my hon. Friend has in mind the position of Christian Science nurses when I bring into operation the provisions of Section 6 (1) of the Nurses Act, 1943, which will restrict the use of the title of "nurse." My predecessor gave a written assurance that the regulations to be made under proviso (b) to that Sub-section would include a provision authorising such persons to call themselves "Christian Science Nurses," and I see no reason to depart from that undertaking.