§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning the funding of flexible training for qualification as general practitioners; how many places are currently funded by the grants from his Department; how many people are on the waiting list who have already completed their pre-registration year; how many women returners have entered their names on to the waiting list; what proposals312W he has to increase funding for the training; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe Welsh Office has received one representation. The only scheme for training in general practice is the vocational training scheme, within which there is scope for trainees to work part-time. No figures are held centrally on the numbers undertaking vocational training for general practice whether on a full or part-time basis. There is no central waiting list. The general practice component of the vocational training scheme for full-time and part-time trainees is funded from the non cash-limited general medical services budget and paid by the family health services authority. Expenditure on trainee practitioner salaries in 1993–94 was in the order of £3.4 million.
Part-time hospital training posts are funded from the postgraduate dean's flexible training scheme budget, which funds all part-time junior grade hospital doctors' posts. The current annual budget is £235,000 which supports 14 posts.
At present there are no vocational training scheme trainees undertaking part-time hospital training. There are 13 women doctors waiting for placements under the flexible training scheme, three of whom are GP vocational trainees.
I will be considering the extension of this scheme in the context of this year's public expenditure review.