§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his target for the recruitment of nurse consultants; what estimate he has made of the impact on NHS employment costs of this initiative; and if he will make a statement. [91543]
§ Mr. DenhamIt will be for National Heath Service bodies to determine the number of nurse, midwife and health visitor consultants they wish to employ. Terms and conditions of employment are being negotiated and we will issue guidance to the NHS about establishment of such posts when these have been completed.