§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if it is his policy to restrict increases in health centre charges to doctors to the percentage level of increase in doctors' income in the coming year and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. EnnalsNo. The system of remuneration agreed with the profession provides for the average practice expenses of all general medical practitioners, including health centre charges and corresponding costs of doctors who use their own premises, to be taken into account by the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration in forming its recommendations on the levels of fees and allowances to be paid to general medical practitioners. Area health authorities have been advised that in determining charges they should not exceed the cost for similar services in nearby practice premises. These arrangements are designed to be fair, equally to doctors who practice in health centres and those who use their own premises.