asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has received representations requesting statutory recognition for district nurse training; and, if so, what has been his reply.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to introduce a minimum statutory training period for district nurses.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why he refuses to give statutory recognition to district nurse training.

I have received representations requesting statutory recognition for district nurse training. My Department will consult health authorities very shortly on a proposal submitted by the Panel of Assessors for District Nurse Training that employment as a district nurse should be conditional on the possession of a recognised qualification.