§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what EC directives apply to the education and training of complementary medicine practitioners.
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§ Mr. McLoughlinThere are two directives concerned with the recognition of education and training. The First Diploma Directive, 89/48/EEC, was implemented in the United Kingdom in April 1991 and covers degree level qualifications. The Second Diploma Directive, 92/51/ EEC, is due to be implemented in June 1994 and will cover those qualifications awarded on completion of higher education courses of up to three years duration and equivalents including national and Scottish vocational qualifications. Both directives are concerned with regulated occupations.
The Osteopaths Bill is having its second reading this month and it is possible that osteopaths may subsequently fall within the coverage of the First Diploma Directive.
The extent to which other fields of complementary medicine are covered by the Second Diploma Directive will emerge as the implementation proceeds towards June 1994.