HC Deb 25 July 1977 vol 936 cc56-7W
Mr. Mellish

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what funds are to be available to the South-East Thames Region for the provision of pre-registration posts.

Mr. Moyle

The costs of providing pre-registration posts are met by health authorities from their normal revenue allocations.

Mr. Mellish

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when his Department's working party on pre-registration posts is expected to report.

Mr. Ennals

The working group was set up to advise my Department and to monitor progress in ensuring that there are sufficient posts for the increasing numbers of medical school graduates in the corning years. This is a continuing process and I do not expect the group to make a final report. I shall write to my right hon. Friend with details of the group's work.

Mr. Mellish

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he proposes to institute a national safety-net clearing house system for pre-registration posts.

Mr. Ennals

The Council for Postgraduate Medical Education has for many years run a scheme for helping unplaced graduates to find such posts. In view of the increasing number of medical graduates, my Chief Medical Officer has recently asked the council not only to continue its help but also to consider whether any further action may be necessary in the next few years.

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