§ 6. Mr. MurphyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to improve primary health care in Gwent.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Ian Grist)Primary health care in Gwent, as in other parts of the Principality, will benefit from the implementation of proposals set out in the Government's White Paper entitled "Promoting Better Health".
§ Mr. MurphyDoes the Minister agree that there is great unease in Wales about the proposals that are set out in that White Paper? When he and his right hon. Friend begin their survey of Valley health, including the points that the Secretary of State made a few minutes ago, will they ensure that extra resources are given to primary health care in Wales? Will he give an undertaking to the House that there will be more general practitioners, especially in the Valleys of south Wales?
§ Mr. GristYes, I think that I can give much of the assurance for which the hon. Gentleman asked. If he reads the White Paper he will see that special attention is to be given to the Valleys and that the number of general practitioners in his constituency has increased by about 10 per cent. under this Government. We look for a further improvement in the years ahead.