§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what tests are applied to nursing staff from EU countries working in the United Kingdom; and what tests are applied to British trained nurses working in other EU countries. [22008]
§ Mr. SackvilleCouncil directive 77/452/EEC requires countries of the European Economic Area to recognise, on the terms it specifies, which may include proof of good character, the qualifications of nurses responsible for general care awarded by other EEA countries to EEA nationals. European Council directive 77/453/EEC requires EEA countries to guarantee that such qualifications meet the minimum training requirements that it specifies. The operation of the directives is a matter for the competent authorities of the EEA countries. The competent authority in the United Kingdom is the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting.