HC Deb 29 April 1996 vol 276 cc751-2
2. Mr. Rowlands

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will conduct a review into the current proposals for GPs' out-of-hours services (a) in Wales and (b) in Rhymney. [25633]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Rod Richards)

The operation of the new arrangements in Wales is being monitored by the Welsh Office. My right hon. Friend and I have no plans to review the proposals for the Rhymney area as that is a matter for the local health authority.

Mr. Rowlands

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that patients will need to travel 26 miles—possibly at the dead of night—to the new out-of-hours service? Given that Ministers are helping to fund the schemes, should not they use their influence and support the overwhelming opposition of the local community council and patients in the areas concerned to such a service, and ensure that the voices of the patients of Rhymney are heeded?

Mr. Richards

I am aware of the hon. Gentleman's concern, as he wrote to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in March to support the community health council. I understand that the health authority is looking at the issue.

Mr. Stephen

Does my hon. Friend agree that the additional flexibility of the GP fundholding system has meant that a better service is available to patients in both Wales and England?

Mr. Richards

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. GP fundholders are at the forefront of our policy of primary care.

Mr. Morgan

Does the Minister agree that while short-changing patients in Rhymney, Gwent health authority's top management are looking after themselves very well, such as in the recent appointments scandal? Does he agree that the recent 22.5 per cent. increase voted by the directors of the new UHW trust in Cardiff shows that our health service is a bonanza for bureaucrats while penny-pinching patients?

Mr. Richards

The hon. Gentleman, as always, is completely wrong. We are spending more than £2.2 billion on health services in Wales in this financial year, and some £2.4 million on the measure referred to by the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney (Mr. Rowlands) My right hon. Friend and I are concerned about the problem in Gwent, and he has asked to be kept fully informed as to how the health authority proposes to resolve it.