§ Mr. ConwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many surgeons practising laparoscopic surgery are certificated in the competence of such techniques;
(2) what representations from and discussions with the Royal College of Surgeons she has had concerning certification of competence for the practice of laparoscopic surgery;
(3) if she will consider the need for regulations to govern the practice of laparoscopic surgery; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThere is no central certification scheme for surgeons using laparoscopic or other minimally invasive techniques. There have been no discussions with the Royal College of Surgeons concerning any such certification and we have no plans to introduce regulations to govern the practice of this surgery.