§ 90. Mr. Rymanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the current level of funding of medical faculties; what steps are taken to ensure that this level fulfils the criteria laid down in the Medical Act 1978 in relation to standards; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldenThe education committee of the General Medical Council has responsibility under the Medical Act 1983 (the currently operative legislation) for establishing the required standards for medical education and ensuring that they are met. My right hon. Friend has seen no evidence that current levels of university funding have reduced standards below what that Commitee regards as necessary. The Government have announced their willingness to increase financial provision for the universities if they can demonstrate real progress in the pursuit of better management, improved standards of teaching, selectivity in research funding and rationalisation of small departments. It will be for the universities themselves to decide the distribution of any extra money among subject departments.