§ Mrs. Ann Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he has any plans to increase the number of places available on courses leading to recognised qualifications in nursing;
(2) whether he has any plans to increase the number of places available on courses leading to recognised qualifications in midwifery.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe number of places available on such courses is dependent upon health authorities' needs for qualified nurses and midwives.
§ Mrs. Ann Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the annual intake of new students on to courses leading to recognised qualifications in nursing;
(2) how many students are currently enrolled on courses leading to recognised qualifications in nursing.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeInformation supplied to us by the English and the Welsh National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting shows that about 26,000 nurse learners entered training in England and Wales during the period April 1983 to March 1984. There were about 70,000 nurse learners undertaking training in England and Wales at March 1984.
§ Mrs. Ann Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the total annual cost to the Government of courses leading to recognised qualifications in nursing;
(2) what is the total annual cost to the Government of courses leading to recognised qualifications in midwifery.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe total annual costs are dependent upon the numbers of nurses or midwives taking courses leading to recognised qualifications and on the type and length of the course concerned.
Of the large number of basic and post-basic courses available, estimated costings are available only for the two-year enrolled nurse (general) course, the three-year registered general nurse course, for the additional training required in the 18-month registered midwife course, the 12-month health visitor course and the 9-month district nurse course.
These estimated costings exclude that part of the cost of the trainee's remuneration and other costs which represent the estimated value of the contribution the trainee makes to nursing services.