Written question asked by Brian Iddon (Labour) on Friday, 30 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 April 2001. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Monday, 2 April 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will publish his proposals for the future regulation of health professions.

Answer: Dr. Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish his proposals for the future regulation of health professions. [156890] Mr. Denham: We have today published draft orders under the Health Act 1999 containing provisions to set up a new Nursing and Midwifery Council and a new Health Professions Council. These will replace the existing United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting and the four national Boards, and the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine. The orders will be published for three months before debate in Parliament. A period of consultation will last until 1 June 2001. Copies of both draft orders will be placed in the Library. Appointments to the shadow Nursing and Midwifery Council and Health Professions Council are under way. These appointments should be made in early April for the shadow Councils to start work as soon as possible afterwards. The shadow Councils will have the status of advisory groups until the new Councils are statutorily established in April 2002.

Secondary information