§ Mr. Hargreavesasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under what powers the Department of Health and Social Services for Northern Ireland has restricted the number of trainee general practitioner places to 50 per year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe Department of Health and Social Services determines the number of trainees required for general medical practice in Northern Ireland under the discretionary powers provided by article 44(l) of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972. I am satisfied that the number of general practitioners currently being trained each year is sufficient to meet the needs of Northern Ireland.