Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 26 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 March 2001. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 March 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to publish (a) a code of practice for health authorities on the recruitment of nursing and medical staff from overseas and (b) guidance for local authorities on the recruitment of trained social workers from overseas. - (Holding answer 1 March 2001).

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to publish (a) a code of practice for health authorities on the recruitment of nursing and medical staff from overseas and (b) guidance for local authorities on the recruitment of trained social workers from overseas. [151788] Mr. Hutton: [holding answer 1 March 2001]: The Department issued guidance on international nurse recruitment in November 1999. A further code for international recruitment will be published shortly. The code will apply to the recruitment of doctors and dentists, nurses and midwives, allied health professions and scientists and technicians. We have not issued any guidance to local authorities about the overseas recruitment of social workers. We have, however, advised the two local authorities who approached the Department for advice about the recruitment of social workers from abroad to adopt the principles of the National Health Service guidance.

Secondary information