asked the Minister of Health how many hospitals have been affected during the current year by a decision of the General Nursing Council to withdraw recognition from them as training hospitals for nurses; how many of them are in danger of closing wholly or in part as a consequence of the withdrawal of recognition; and where they are situated.

Sixty hospitals have been affected. In only one case, however, has there been any question of closing. This is that of St. Leonard's Hospital, Shore-ditch, where an inquiry was recently held.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the effect on the recruitment of nurses caused by this threat hanging over the hospitals which have been affected by this decision, and does he not agree that the arbitrary figure laid down by the General Nursing Council is causing great anxiety in the small hospitals which have done splendid work in training nurses?

Most of the action taken by the General Nursing Council is in the interests of proper nursing training, but no hospitals have been closed and there has been no deterrent to recruiting.

In how many cases, in addition to withdrawal, has there been a threat of withdrawal which was withdrawn on the hospital putting its school into order?

I could not give that information offhand, but obviously, if intimation has been given of the possibility of withdrawal and re-organisation has taken place, beneficial results have occurred.

Can the Minister indicate at what date he proposes to issue his decision in respect of the outstanding case to which he has referred?

I have not yet had the report.