§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action is being taken to ensure that there will be an adequate number of pre-registration house officer posts for the increasing number of graduates of British medical schools; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleI discussed this matter with the chairmen of regional health authorities in September and they accepted that high priority must be given to providing sufficient posts. This point is stressed in our recent priorities document "The Way Forward".
863WLast year, my Department established a working group with members from the universities and officers of NHS authorities to consider how many posts would be needed and to advise on how these needs could best be met. In considering these questions the working group has taken account not only of the increasing output of graduates from British medical schools but also of the shortening of the length of courses at some medical schools which led to an increased demand for posts last summer and will continue to do so for the next two years.
As a result, the group has advised that year by year targets should be set for the number of posts each region should make available over the next five years and that, in calculating these targets, provision should be made for a 5 per cent. surplus to give flexibility and some measure of choice. A letter setting out these targets was sent out by my Department to all regions a few days ago. In addition, steps are being taken to carry out the group's recommendations for improving arrangements for putting graduates in touch with posts.
Together with steps being taken by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales these measures should ensure posts for all doctors who require them.