§ 7. Mr. Michael Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Service if he proposes to review the policy on the provision of health centres.
§ Dr. VaughanHealth centres will continue to be built only where there is a clear wish locally. We are also exploring alternative ways of providing good general practice facilities.
§ Mr. MorrisIs my hon. Friend aware that many general practitioners would like to buy an equity stake in a health centre, either through a long leasehold or through a freehold, and will he urgently consider sending revised instructions to the health authorities to make this possible?
§ Dr. VaughanI am aware of that, and I have already met representatives of the General Practice Finance Corporation. My right hon. Friend is considering proposals which it has made for increasing the amount which it can lend from £25 million to £100 million and for a scheme which would permit purchase and lease back of newly built practice premises. If accepted, these changes will require legislation.
§ Mr. DobsonThe Minister said that he would continue to permit health centres to be built where there was a local demand. Does that mean where there is a demand from local people or only where there is a demand from the local general practitioners? If the latter, they will be able to continue to obstruct the development of health centres.
§ Dr. VaughanThe hon. Gentleman does not seem to realise that it is not possible to run a health centre without the collaboration and joining in of the local general practitioners.