Students could be attracted south of the border, it is feared

The British Medical Association warned that academic and student recruitment could suffer north of the border.

It supports the Scottish Executive's refusal to implement top-up fees.

But the BMA warned it could lead to a two-tier system and create a barrier to students who want to enter medical schools.

The organisation has submitted written evidence to the Scottish Parliament's enterprise and culture committee.

Additional investment

It argued that top English universities and medical schools would be able to charge students more, provide better facilities and increase pay for staff.

The BMA said Scottish universities would suffer without additional investment from the Scottish Executive.

The chairman of the BMA's medical academics committee, Dr Simon Maxwell, said English medical schools would be able to lure staff and students away from universities north of the border.

"Medical academic recruitment is in a critical condition and if Scottish medical academic staff were attracted to medical schools in England, it will only get worse," he said.

The influx of English students applying for places in Scottish medical school may result in a decrease in the number of Scottish people studying medicine in their own country Ben Carrick, BMA medical students committee

"With top-up fees, medical schools in England would be in a stronger position to attract leading academics and research teams.

"This would have serious consequences on the standards of teaching and research in Scotland."

Dr Maxwell urged Scottish ministers to address the knock-on effects of top-up fees.

He said the Scottish Executive should provide additional resources to safeguard Scotland's position as an internationally renowned provider of education and research.

Ben Carrick, the deputy chairman of the BMA's medical students committee, said: "The BMA believes that proposals to introduce top-up fees in England will create a two-tier higher education system in the UK.

"Entry to university must be based on academic ability, not ability to pay, and it is essential to ensure equity of access for all young people to medical schools.

"High top-up fees in England would compromise this objective."

The BMA fears that Scottish education would become a "cheap alternative" for those who could not afford places in England.

Provide support

"The influx of English students applying for places in Scottish medical school may result in a decrease in the number of Scottish people studying medicine in their own country," warned Mr Carrick.

"The Scottish Executive would therefore need to fund the fees of Scottish students studying at English universities and provide support to them throughout their time at university.