HC Deb 13 May 1965 vol 712 cc691-3
25. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science which universities and colleges of advanced technology have courses in medical engineering; and how many undergraduates or students are taking such courses at present.

Mr. Crosland

According to the latest information available, there are now full-time courses in various aspects of medical engineering at the universities of Birmingham, Bristol, London, Newcastle upon Tyne, Southampton and Strathclyde. A total of about 40 students are at present taking these courses; all of them are post-graduates. I understand that courses are being planned at other universities.

Mr. Osborn

I thank the Minister for that reply. May I draw his attention to the recent meeting of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee when it was agreed that not enough engineers were aware of the problems of the doctors and not enough doctors were aware of the problems of the engineers? Is he satisfied that enough progress has been made? Surely a figure of 40 students is a little on the light side, and will he give this every encouragement in the future?

Mr. Crosland

Yes, Sir. I will certainly give encouragement in the future. I am glad to say that additional courses are being planned or considered at the Bristol College of Science and Technology and at the universities of Aberdeen, St. Andrew's, Liverpool and Southampton, which shows that we are in a period of considerable expansion.

26. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many engineers are carrying out work on behalf of the Medical Research Council at present; and what proposals he has for giving further encouragement to research and development in the field of medical engineering.

Mr. Crosland

Fourteen professionally qualified engineers are members of the staff of the Medical Research Council, which also provides support for a number of others working in University departments. In addition many of the Council's staff with other qualifications are concerned with engineering aspects of medical research. A wide range of projects which can be covered by the term medical engineering already receives the active support of the Council, which will continue to encourage and support promising leads in this and related fields.

Mr. Osborn

I thank the Minister for that Answer also. Will he say what is being done now to aid the task of the nurses in hospitals through the M.R.C., particularly with engineering devices which will assist the nurses as well as aiding doctors and engineers?

Mr. Crosland

The Medical Research Council has started a considerable number of projects. A number of these were listed in an answer given on 24th March last year to the hon. Member for Edmonton (Mr. Albu). Perhaps I could send this list of projects which have been started to the hon. Member. It is too long to read out.