§ Mr. Channonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from health authorities about extra costs they will have to face as a result of the implementations 156W of EEC directives on nurse training; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleFrom my recent visits to health authorities I am aware that there are worries that the implementation of the EEC nursing directives in June 1979 may require additional resources. The directives require that all student general nurses should have practical experience in certain fields of nursing, which are currently only optional. However, no minimum period of experience is stipulated and I expect that this flexibility given by the directives will enable health authorities to develop the programmes of practical experience within the resources available at any given time. The General Nursing Council for England and Wales, which will be the "competent authority" for the purposes of the directives, has offered to discuss with individual training schools any difficulties it feels they may have. The council is in close touch with the Department on this matter.