§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many medical students are expected to enter medical school in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement. [62057]
§ Mr. HuttonAs a result of the Government's acceptance of the recommendation in the medical work force standing advisory committee's 1997 report and the commitment made in the NHS Plan, almost 2,150 new medical school places were announced in England between 1999 and 2001 (an increase of 57 per cent.). This is the largest increase in medical school places since the nationa health service was established.
In autumn 2001, medical school intake in England was almost 950 more than in 1997, and by autumn 2003 should be over 1,950 a year more than in autumn 1997 (a 52 per cent. increase).
The planned intake to English medical schools in the next five years is as follows:
Academic year Planned intake in England 2002–03 4,993 2003–04 5,707 2004–05 5,789 2005–06 5,894 2006–07 5,894