§ 53. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Health what discussions he has had with the professional bodies on the need for a longer period of obstetric training in the general training at medical colleges; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LoughlinNone, Sir. The content of the medical curriculum is a matter for the individual medical school, subject to the statutory responsibilities of the General Medical Council.
§ Dame Irene WardIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the report which I sent to his right hon. Friend some time ago, and the reply by the Minister to the effect that, if I liked, he would send it on to the Royal Commission which is at present looking into medical education? Why, then, is the Parliamentary Secretary taking an entirely different view from that of the Minister?
§ Mr. LoughlinI am not taking an entirely different view. The hon. Lady's letter referred to people attending refresher courses in obstetrics and also to clinical attachments. There is one of these at Chelmsford. The Royal Commission on Medical Education will, within its tems of reference, be considering the general content of medical education and I think that the hon. Lady will, on reflection, agree that it is not for my right hon. Friend to determine the content of medical education.
§ Mr. WoodHas the hon. Gentleman anything to say about setting up a postgraduate centre for general practice obstetricians?
§ Mr. LoughlinNot without notice.