To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to enhance training for general practitioners in musculoskeletal medicine with a view to reducing the length of time taken in referral, diagnosis and treatment. (309067)

The content of curriculum and quality and standard of training for medical students and general practitioners is not the responsibility of the Department but the responsibility of the appropriate professional regulatory body.

However, the Department is committed to working with the professional regulatory bodies, Royal Colleges and others to promote high standards of education and training to ensure that students and doctors are equipped with the up to date knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for professional practice.