HC Deb 15 May 1978 vol 950 cc48-9W
Mr. Tom Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the composition of the Council for Postgraduate Medical Education; and what are its statutory functions and powers.

Mr. Moyle

The Council for Postgraduate Medical Education in England and Wales is an independent non-statutory body set up in 1970 by the Secretary of State for Social Services following the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Medical Education (Cmnd. 3569). It has the following terms of referenceTo co-ordinate and stimulate the organisation and development of postgraduate medical and dental education and training in England and Wales through maintaining close contacts with professional and educational bodies at a national level and by giving advice to representative regional bodies established in connection with the planning and organisation of postgraduate medical and dental education: to provide a national forum for discussion of matters pertaining to postgraduate medical education and training and to provide the Government with an authoritative source of advice on these matters.

The Council has 33 members. The chairman is appointed by my right hon. Friend, in agreement with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Education and Science and for Wales. The other members are appointed by the Council itself following nomination, one each, from the following bodies:

  • Royal College of Physicians.
  • Royal College of Surgeons.
  • Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
  • Royal College of General Practitioners.
  • Royal College of Pathologists.
  • Royal College of Psychiatrists.
  • Royal College of Radiologists.
  • Faculty of Anaesthetists.
  • Faculty of Community Medicine.
  • Dental Committee of the Council.
  • Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals.
  • Joint Consultants Committee.
  • Council of the British Medical Association.
  • University Grants Committee.
  • Administrative Medical Staff of Regional Health Authorities.
  • Area Medical Officers.
  • Department of Health and Social Security.
  • Welsh Office.
  • Welsh Postgraduate Medical Education Committee.
  • Armed Forces Medical Advisory Board.

In addition, six members are representatives of undergraduate and postgraduate medical deans and clinical tutors nominated by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals; and another six are general practitioners, consultants and hospital junior staff nominated by the British Medical Association.

The Council has no formal powers, but works by consent and co-operation.