HC Deb 14 December 1959 vol 615 cc1022-3
32. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health, as representing the Lord President of the Council what was the nature of the last comprehensive inquiry into or review of medical education; and when it took place.

Mr. Walker-Smith

Since the Committee on Medical Schools under the chairmanship of Sir William Goodenough reported in 1944, the General Medical Council in 1947, and again in 1957 after comprehensive review, published revised recommendations on the medical curriculum.

Mr. Robinson

Does the Minister not think that the time has come for a careful and perhaps more dispassionate examination of the subject to discover the extent to which medical education is in line with current concepts of medicine and with the requirements of the National Health Service? Will he give this matter some thought?

Mr. Walker-Smith

This is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council. I take the hon. Member's point, but he may be assured that there is constant thinking about these matters, independently of setting up specific inquiries such as the Goodenough inquiry.

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