§ 4. Mr. Kinnockasked the Secretary of State for Wales when he anticipates that a health centre will be opened at Pontllanfraith, Monmouthshire.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattThe general medical practitioners have withdrawn from the scheme for a health centre which was approved last April. I understand that a local meeting is now being arranged to discuss the position.
§ Mr. KinnockDoes not the Minister agree that the people of this area have already waited an inordinately long time for civilised health centre facilities? Does he acknowledge that this delay is almost solely attributable to the social irresponsibility and selfish attitude of certain general practitioners in the area? Will he undertake to intervene and use his widely renowned powers of persuasion to try to convince these general practitioners of their duty to the community, which they are supposed to serve?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattWithout commenting on some of the remarks of the hon. Gentleman, I would say that it is my policy to encourage health centre development. No pressure can be brought upon general medical practitioners to make them practise from such centres.