§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultations he has had with the Royal College of Nursing concerning procedures relating to certification of sick leave; and if he is satisfied that all health authorities are acting within the terms of the current agreements.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke:Earlier this year an agreement on the introduction of self-certification for short periods of sick leave for nurses and midwives employed by the National Health Service was negotiated within the nurses and midwives Whitley Council, on which the Royal College of Nursing is represented. The Department has given advice to a number of health authorities on the interpretation of this agreement, but we know of no departures from it