HC Deb 12 February 1976 vol 905 cc346-7W
Mr. Ted Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assistance and help he proposes to give to the campaign A Better Life for the People, initiated by the Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The Government welcome the initiative shown by the official trade union movement in Northern Ireland in its attempt through the Better Life for All campaign to reduce violence and promote a better society in the Province. The Northern Ireland committee came to see me on 4th February and explained the objectives of the campaign and subsequently saw my right. hon. Friend the Prime Minister. I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government support the campaign's objectives, which include the right to advocate change by peaceful means and not through violence.

Number of Entrants Number of Passes
Male Female Male Female
Financial Year—
1972–73 184 1,352 93 897
1973–74 142 1,390 87 812
1974–75 114 1,360 97 1,005

Minimum educational requirements are laid down by the Northern Ireland Council for Nurses and Midwives for entry to State Registered Nurse training. These have not changed since 1972, but a school of nursing may at its discretion set its entry standard above this minimum. An educational test for State Enrolled Nurse training is set by the Council for those applicants who do not hold these minimum qualifications. The pass mark in this test has been raised since 1972.