Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of paying junior doctors' student loans if they (a) remain in the UK and (b) take up a registrar post.

Whilst the Government currently has no plans to introduce such arrangements, it is committed to financially supporting healthcare students in England throughout their studies and keeps funding arrangements under review. In doing this, we must strike a balance between ensuring students are financially supported during their studies and making best use of money for the taxpayer.

Data from the General Medical Council shows that approximately 7% of doctors do not hold a licence to practice five years after Foundation year 2 in England, which is equivalent to around 450 doctors.