§ 25. Dr. Goodson-WickesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the correlation between the numbers of students entering medical schools and the shortfall of doctors in the NHS. [19186]
§ Mr. MaloneThe Government are advised by the Medical Workforce Standing Advisory Committee— MWSAC—on the balance between future supply and demand for doctors. In 1995, we accepted the MWSAC recommendation for an increase of the target medical school intake by 500 to 4,970 by 2000; and funds are being provided for this through the higher education funding councils.
MWSAC is now working towards its third report and has taken evidence from a number of interested parties. It will make recommendations based on the evidence and analysis.