§ 38. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Health why the number of patients on National Health Service doctors' lists in the London area exceeds the population of London; and what action he will take to ensure more accurate records and less waste in paying capitation fees to doctors.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI am informed that the number of patients on doctors' lists in London is not, in fact, in excess of the population, but it is certainly very near to it and there is a good deal of inflation in these lists. This does not affect the cost to the Exchequer, but I am concerned about the problem and am reviewing the present arrangements.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIn order to check this further example of inflation under the present Government, is the right hon. Gentleman considering the establishment of a national registration index which is about the only way of making sure that two doctors are not being paid for the same patient?
§ Mr. MacleodInflation of this nature in doctors' lists does not add to the cost on the Exchequer. That is not done on a patient basis but on the number of doctors there are in the scheme. In reply to the hon. and gallant Member's quip, I should say that inflation was a very great deal worse in this and all other respects under the Socialist Administration. The index is the main matter I am considering, which perhaps might prove to be the solution.