§ Mr. Tierneyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to encourage doctors to move into modern purpose-built health centres and overcome their reluctance to enter into long-term tenancy agreements.
90W
§ Mr. MoyleIt is Government policy that family doctors should be encouraged to work in health centres as appropriate. Health centres are provided for those doctors who wish to work in them. They house each year an additional 1½ per cent. to 2 per cent. of all family doctors. Health authorities are expected to spend at least a defined minimum amount of their capital budget on the provision of health centres or other primary care projects. A new model agreement for the occupation of health centres by family practitioners was introduced last year, in agreement with the profession. It took account of various suggestions to make licensing terms acceptable to doctors. I have no evidence that doctors are reluctant to enter into long-term agreements.
§ Mr. Tierneyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received following the cancellation of the proposed purpose-built health centre at Sheldon in the Birmingham, Yardley constituency.