§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services under what powers the EEC issues directives to the United Kingdom on the training of nurses; and what action he intends to take.
§ Dr. VaughanThe EEC directives on the training of nurses were made under the Treaty establishing the EEC—the Treaty of Rome—and in particular, articles 49, 57, 66 and 235 thereof. Two directives—numbers 77/452/EEC and 77/453/EEC—concerning the mutual recognition of the qualifications of nurses responsible for general care, and the co-ordination of legal and other provisions in respect of their activities were made by the Council of the EEC on 27 June 1977. The United Kingdom, in com-52W mon with other member States of the Community, has an obligation to bring into force the measures necessary to comply with these directives within two years of their notification. My right hon. Friend has accordingly laid before Parliament under paragraph 2(2) of schedule 2 to the European Communities Act 1972 a draft Order in Council which, subject to approval by resolution of each House of Parliament, will give effect to the necessary changes in this country's legislation.