§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to increase the participation of surgeons in clinical trials. [176866]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Medical Research Council (MRC) has reviewed the conduct of trials of surgical interventions and has published guidance to surgeons and triallists on the subject. The guidance can be found on the MRC website at www.mrc.ac.uk/pdf-health_tech_assess.pdf
In order to encourage more surgeons to enter research training, the MRC runs a joint fellowship scheme with the royal colleges of surgeons of England and Edinburgh and of obstetrics and gynaecology. Details are at www.mrc.ac.uk/doc-crtf2notes.doc