§ Sir Neil MacfarlaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will be in a position to make an announcement on the proposed allocation of public funds and on management training for consultants.
§ Mr. FreemanI have today announced the allocation of £1 million to the successful regions. The programmes of training are due to commence in April 1990. Residential training courses will be brief (about four weeks) and will teach basic principles of management for consultants who wish to play a part in the management of the NHS.
There was an extremely enthusiastic response to the invitation to put forward bids for this scheme and the general quality of submissions received was most impressive. Seven regions, in all, will benefit from central funding. A national evaluation process will be an important part of this initiative.