§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Woodspring, (Dr. Fox) of 25 June 2001,Official Report, column 26W, on overseas nurses, what the nature of these representations were; to what countries his Department intends to extend the initiative offered to Spain; what countries have turned down the opportunity to enter into a similar agreement; what reasons they gave for turning down such an opportunity; and if he will make a statement. [2701]
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§ Mr. HuttonThe countries outlined in response to the hon. Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox) on 25 June have made written or verbal representations to the Department about the availability of health care professionals from their country to work in the National Health Service.
The Department will work with these and other countries making a similar approach to agree the most appropriate means to support international co-operation in the recruitment, secondment, exchange or development of health care professionals with the NHS, which is of mutual benefit.
To date, no country has declined to work with us and no country has yet agreed a similar arrangement to the one we have with Spain.