§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 2 December,Official Report, 795W column 608W, on recruitment, if he has written to NHS organisations with a list of unsuitable nursing agencies who persistently recruit nurses from developing countries, contrary to the code of practice; and what action he (a) has taken and (b) plans to take, against those NHS employers who have used nursing agencies who have breached the code of practice. [86806]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 10 December 2002]: The Department investigates any agency whose behaviour appears to be inconsistent with the code of practice. The agency will be investigated and given the opportunity to respond to the allegations and reconsider their practice.
National health service organisations are strongly advised to refer to the list, which is available at www.doh.gov.uk/international-recruitment, when establishing new contracts.