§ 24. Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average number of patients per principal doctor at the latest date for which figures are available ; and how this figure compares with that for the same date in each of the previous two years.
Mr. Edward TaylorThe average number of patients per principal general practitioner at 31st March, 1971, was 2,076. The figures for 31st March, 1970, and 31st March, 1969, were 2,085 and 2,087 respectively.
§ Mr. Wolrige-GordonAs the only things for which the Opposition do not at present claim credit are unemployment and the weather, is my hon. Friend aware that this is a tremendous achievement on his part? Will he continue the good work?
Mr. TaylorI am grateful to my hon. Friend. It is a considerable satisfaction to be able to announce in one day this improvement, an improvement in the supply of teachers and an expansion in primary school building. We did not have many such days when the Labour Party was in power.
§ Mr. James HamiltonDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that the figures give a national average? Is he aware that in some of the industrial areas, particularly in my constituency, the figures he has given do not bear inspection?
Mr. TaylorWe certainly appreciate that the average is taken from highs and lows. If the average improves, however, then surely the general position improves.