HC Deb 29 July 1964 vol 699 c1407
15. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many, and what proportion of, general practitioners function in group practices: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Noble

Of the 2,686 principals in practice in Scotland at the end of last year 1,950 were in partnership. Figures are not available for group practice since the term is not precisely defined.

Mr. Dempsey

Is the Secretary of State aware that there is a very urgent need in Scotland to afford to general practitioners the opportunity of performing services in group practice which involve clinical and hospital services? Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this is the definition of group practice? Does he not also agree that those who have embraced a noble profession have their experience strictly limited so long as they do not have such an opportunity? What proposals do the Government have to encourage general practitioners to gain more clinical and hospital experience?

Mr. Noble

Since 1954 we have been making interest-free loans to groups of doctors to provide new and improved premises, and 358 doctors have taken advantage of these. My right hon. Friend, the Minister of Health, and I are discussing with the profession whether it is possible to secure a more direct way of reimbursing certain practice expenses in order, among other things, to encourage doctors to improve their premises.