§ Mr. Pavitt asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many of the London medical schools have teaching general practices under their control; and if he will take steps to secure that the remaining medical schools take responsibility for at least two teaching practices where modern primary care team work can be demonstrated.
§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg:The organisation and operation of medical schools in London are predominantly matters for the University of London.
The London Health Planning consortium's report, "Primary Health care in Inner London"—the Acheson report—identified 10 London medical schools with academic departments of general practice or departments of community medicine with responsibility for teaching the principles of general practice. Many staff in these departments are occupied largely in providing a direct service to patients. The report recommends closer involvement between academic departments and general practitioners working in inner London; and the Department is seeking the views of interested parties on the report's recommendations.