HC Deb 11 February 1999 vol 325 cc391-2W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many trainee nurses there are in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [69548]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

There were 2,346 people training as nurses in Wales at 30 November 1998 of which 663 are due to qualify in 1999. In addition a further 999 students will begin nurse training in 1999.

Student nurse numbers currently meet NHS Trusts' requirements for newly qualified recruits as identified in the Annual Workforce Plans. There are no recruitment problems to nurse training courses in Wales.

Following the transfer of powers, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.