§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to allow direct entry into health visiting rather than through nursing or midwifery. [103515]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Nursing and Midwifery Council has only the powers to regulate the professions of nursing and midwifery.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with representatives of health visitors. [103551]
§ Mr. HuttonDepartment of Health Ministers and officials hold regular discussions with health visitor representatives. In recent months these have included discussions on health visitor regulation, child protection and the Laming report, the children and maternity services national service framework, the framework for nursing in primary care, recruitment and retention issues and "Agenda for Change".
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to set up different registers for nurses, midwives and health visitors. [103514]
§ Mr. HuttonNone. The Nursing and Midwifery Council is the body responsible for making proposals in respect of the parts of the register.