HC Deb 24 March 2004 vol 419 cc935-6W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what programmes his Department runs to help midwives from the EU accession states to adapt to working in the UK after 1 April. [162471]

In-patient elective admission list for Greater London.
Quarter Total waiting list
1999–2000 1 169,894
1999–2000 2 167,338
1999–2000 3 171,301
1999–2000 4 162,303
2000–01 1 163,276
2000–01 2 158,109
2000–01 3 158,022
2000–01 4 156,353
2001–02 1 160,591
2001–02 2 159,094
2001–02 3 159,106
2001–02 4 160,458

Note: These figures are for London Regional Office.

Source: Department of Health form KH07

Mr. Hutton

This is a matter for employers. We would expect them to provide appropriate induction programmes for all new recruits, whatever their country of origin.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what controls there are on(a) doctors and (b) nurses who began their training in an EU accession country before 1 May who wish to work in such professions in the UK after 1 May. [162472]

Mr. Hutton

The recognition of their qualifications, where these do not meet specified minimum training requirements, will be subject to proof of recent and substantial practice experience.