§ Ms. LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health which of the EC directives governing the system of specialist medical training have not been implemented in the United Kingdom over the last 15 years; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyDirectives 75/362/EEC and 75/363/ EEC were implemented into United Kingdom law by the Medical Qualifications (EEC Recognition) Order 1977. However, doubt has been cast on whether the present United Kingdom system relating to specialist training fully reflects these directives. The Chief Medical Officer is holding a series of meetings with the medical profession to address these issues.
445WDirectives 89/594/EEC and 90/658/EEC, which made minor amendments to 75/362/EEC, have not been implemented. Steps are being taken to introduce them into United Kingdom law.
§ Ms LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make it her policy to hold in public the discussions between her Department, the medical royal colleges, the General Medical Council and the British Medical Association concerning the sytem of specialist medical training in the United Kingdom; and if she will make it her policy to ensure that a wide-ranging debate, including patients' representatives, will be held on the proposals that emerge.
§ Dr. MawhinneyNo. Discussions will continue to be held in private. However, consultation will take place on any proposals that emerge.