§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions his Department has held with the Health Professions Council concerning the regulation of psychotherapists; and if he will make a statement. [108819]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 11 April 2003]: The Department has held no discussions with the Health Professions Council about the regulation of psychotherapists.
§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to legislate for the regulation of psychotherapists. [108821]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 11 April 2003]: We believe in principle to a move towards statutory regulation within the framework of the Health Act 1999 for psychotherapists and other related groups. The Government have given an undertaking to assess all the important factors including the professions' readiness for better regulation and the availability of parliamentary time in order to be in a position to proceed.