§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the original sum of money earmarked for the implementation of Project 2000 in England; and what is the latest estimated figure for his purpose.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe implementation of Project 2000 in England is to be phased in over a number of years. A total of £38 million has been earmarked and made available for 1989–90 and 1990–91. This will mean that between 1990 and April 1991 the number of Project 2000 places available will have doubled to 20,000–40 per cent. of all nurse training places. Additional funding will be made available in future years against the background of other competing needs.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how the European Community directive on nurse training, due to be implemented by October 1991, will be achieved in the light of delays in the target dates relating to Project 2000; and if he will make resources available to meet the 40 weeks of theory training required by the directive.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyImplementation of EC directive 89/595/EEC amending EC directive 77/453/EEC is a matter for the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting, which is the competent authority of the nursing professions in the United Kingdom. We have never set a target date for full implementation of Project 2000 in England.