HC Deb 08 February 1965 vol 706 cc21-2
13. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the percentage of doctors in general practice now working in partnership or groups.

Mr. K. Robinson

About 75 per cent.

Mr. Shepherd

Has the right hon. Gentleman's Department a policy in respect of group practices? Does he wish to see more doctors in group practices or does he take the view that this percentage, which is substantial, is about right?

Mr. Robinson

I must make it quite clear to the hon. Gentleman that this is not the percentage of doctors in group practice. This is the percentage in partnerships or groups. Certainly the policy of my Department is to do whatever we can to stimulate group practices and partnerships, particularly group practices, and that was the whole purpose of the group practice loan scheme, which, incidentally, is at present under review.

Mr. Shepherd

Can the right hon. Gentleman differentiate between the figures for group practices and those for partnership?

Mr. Robinson

As far as I can tell, the proportion of all practitioners in group practice, as he and I would understand it, is at the moment about 15 per cent., and it is increasing.

Mr. Park

Is my right hon. Friend aware that one of the most effective ways of assisting both the development of group practices and the development of health centres would be through the provision of grants for the employment of ancillary staff?

Mr. Robinson

As my hon. Friend probably knows, there is in the process of discussion with the profession at the moment a scheme for direct payment for the employment of ancillary staff.