§ Mr. Messerasked the Minister of Health if, in view of the shortage of tuberculosis nurses, he will negotiate with the General Nursing Council with a view to securing the recognition of the T.A. certificate, so that such nurses can be placed on the supplementary register.
§ Mr. BevanThe General Nursing Council have already been approached on this matter and are not prepared to admit persons possessing the T.A. certificate to a supplementary part of the register unless they are also general State Registered Nurses. I do not feel able to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion, since I am advised that it would at present hinder rather than help recruitment for tuberculosis nursing.
§ Mr. Messerasked the Minister of Health if he has considered plans for the reduction of the period of training for the State registered nurse; and if he has any statement to make in regard to it.
1540W
§ Mr. BevanThis is a matter primarily for the General Nursing Council, which is the statutory body responsible for framing rules relating to training for State Registration. I understand that the Council are considering the possibility of revising the basic training for State registration, and I will convey to them my hon. Friend's suggestion.