HC Deb 12 March 1996 vol 273 cc778-9
12. Mr. Fabricant

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement concerning general practitioner fundholding in Lichfield. [18396]

Mr. Malone

Fundholding has brought considerable benefits to the people of Lichfield—not least improved physiotherapy and day care services at Victoria hospital. I expect all general practitioners in Lichfield to be fundholding from April.

Mr. Fabricant

Does my hon. Friend recall the prophetic words of the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms Harman) when she said that general practitioners do not support the concept of fundholding? Does not the fact that, by April, every GP in Lichfield will be a fundholder show that she was just a false prophet?

Mr. Malone

The hon. Lady wishes to abolish fundholding not only for everyone in Lichfield who will be served by it from April but for everyone else. The example in Lichfield is being followed in the rest of the country. From April, fundholding will cover more than 50 per cent. of England's population.