§ Dr. HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if the Government intends to make funding the implementation of the Calman report on higher specialist training a priority for purchasing authorities. [6595]
§ Mr. MilburnImplementation of the reforms of higher specialist training was agreed by the previous Government in December 1993 on the basis that it would be managed at a pace and in a manner which minimised additional costs and enabled these to be absorbed. Continuing the phased implementation of the specialist registrar grade is a specific objective for health authorities and National Health Service trusts in the Priorities and Planning Guidance for the NHS: 1997–98.