Medical Training and Research budget stays with BIS

On Wednesday 26 June 2013, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that the budget for medical training and research would not be transferred out of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). This announcement comes two weeks after Valerie Vaz MP raised this issue in BIS questions.

Valerie Vaz MP said:

“In Business, Innovation and Skills questions on Thursday 13 June 2013, I asked the Minister to resist transferring the budget for medical education and research to the Department of Health. This would demonstrate a short term focus by the Treasury, as the area is currently a driver of growth and a global strength for the UK. I raised the concerns of the Chair of the Medical Schools Council who said that any move of the budget to the Department of Health posed a significant risk of undermining Britain’s leading position in health research and education.”

“I am pleased that in the Spending Review on 26 June 2013 the Chancellor said that medical education and research would stay within BIS. This is an area where the UK is a world leader. This important sector should be supported. We must continue to train more scientists in general and women scientists in particular.”

Valerie Vaz MP’s Question at BIS Questions on 13 June 2013: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130613/debtext/130613-0001.htm#13061339001011

Spending Review Statement on 26 June 2013
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130626/debtext/130626-0001.htm#13062665000002