§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will publish the representations he has received on the proposal to leave health visitors out of the title of the Nursing and Midwifery Council; [16298]
(2) what the legislative timetable is for the introduction of the Nursing and Midwifery Council; [16299]
(3) if he will define the roles of (a) health visitors and (b) community practitioners. [16300]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Nursing and Midwifery Order to establish the new Nursing and Midwifery Council was laid before Parliament on 15 November, together with a report on the consultation. Copies are available in the Vote Office. The Orders will be considered in Standing Committee on 26 November and in the House of Lords420W shortly. The legislation contains a number of safeguards for health visiting. There will be a separate part of the register, protection of the professional title, and equal representation with nurses and midwives on the council. The future role of health visitors will be a matter for the Nursing and Midwifery Council.