§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to reduce the age of entry to the nursing profession to 17 years in the National Health Service in line with the National Board for Prices and Incomes Report No. 60.
§ Mr. CrossmanWe welcome the Board's recommendation and have encouraged the General Nursing Council to reconsider their policy on age of entry. This is now 18, except for certain specialised branches of nursing. The age of entry in Scotland is 17½. I understand that the Council are willing to consider the change suggested if they can be assured that there will be adequate supervision of students by qualified nurses, and if students and pupils can be absolved from night duty in the early months of training. They have consulted training schools about the likelihood of these conditions being met and are at present considering the replies. A decision is expected early in the New Year.