§ Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to alter the current arrangements for funding first degrees being undertaken by intending national health service employees; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleOfficials of the Department have held discussions with officials of the Department for Education about the arrangements for funding undergraduate courses in speech and language therapy, dietetics and chiropody. No decisions have yet been reached. Any proposals for change which may emerge from these discussions will be considered in consultations with the national health service, professional bodies and higher education institutions. There are no current plans to alter the present arrangements for the purchasing of education and training by regions for other professions employed in the NHS.