HC Deb 07 February 1990 vol 166 c703W
Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department takes to keep doctors informed of the latest medical advances.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Every medical practitioner has the responsibility of keeping up to date with medical knowledge appropriate to his or her chosen specialty. To assist in this, the Department and health authorities allocate funds for the provision of courses and other educational activities and for the expenses of attending such activities. The content of educational activities is largely determined by the profession itself. In addition, from 1 April 1990, a new postgraduate education allowance will be payable to family doctors who maintain regular programmes of approved education and training.