§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the future of the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe council's role is determined by the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Acts of 1979 and 735W 1992. It was reconstituted on 1 April 1993 so as to be directly accountable to the professions that it represents. We have no plans at present to change these arrangements.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what meetings and communications she has had with officials of the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting in the last three months.
§ Mr. SackvilleMy noble Friend Baroness Cumberlege, the Under-Secretary of State for Health, met the president of the council on 19 April to discuss its proposals for post-registration education and practice, and officials maintain regular contact with the council on a range of issues.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will indicate her responsibilities in relation to the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting.
§ Mr. SackvilleMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is responsible for appointing one third of the council's members and for making orders relating to its constitution and statutory functions.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to set up an inquiry into the running and function of the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting.
§ Mr. SackvilleNone. It is for the council to determine its methods of working.