HC Deb 11 May 1993 vol 224 c409W
Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set out the reasons for inclusion of paragraph (e) of the schedule to S.I. 1993 No. 637 (S.83); and if he will take account of reasons for dismissal other than redundancy which are no reflection on the suitability of a candidate for membership of the National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland.

Mr. Stewart

The power of the Secretary of State to appoint and dismiss members of the board in accordance with the National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland Order 1993 (S.I. 1993 No. 637) is an important safeguard in relation to the proper conduct of the National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland. The schedule to the order sets out the various circumstances, including dismissal from paid employment other than by reason of redundancy, which disqualifies persons from appointment as members of the board. The Secretary of State does, however, have the power under article 9(3) of the order to waive the disqualification: his exercise of such a power will depend on the facts and circumstances of each individual case.