§ Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the need for the introduction of team or group systems under which co-ordinated medical service is provided outwith hospitals; how many such groups there are now in Scotland and in Glasgow, respectively; and if he will consult the appropriate organisations with a view to improvement.
§ Mr. RossI fully recognise the advantage of group practice arrangements for family doctors in the National Health Service and the value of close working relationships with other branches of the Service, and my Department is regularly in touch with health service authorities and representatives of the medical profession on these matters. Doctors are encouraged to practise in groups by a special group practice allowance and by other financial incentives. At 1st October, 1968, the latest date for which figures are available. 1404 principals providing unrestricted medical services in Scotland were in receipt of group practice allowance; the number in Glasgow was 246.