§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what improvements in patient care will accrue from the decision to make family practitioner committees into employing authorities;
(2) whether he will implement the recommendation of the Royal Commission on the National Health Service and abolish family practitioner committees.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNo. The decision to change the status of family practitioner committees is aimed at simplifying administrative arrangements, clarifying accountability, improving efficiency and encouraging collaboration between health authorities and FPCs. We believe that this will benefit primary care as a whole.
§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in what circumstances a family practitioner committee stamps the word "immigrant" on the medical card of the wife of a British citizen; and what authority is required.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergI am not aware of this practice. If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind I shall be glad to look into it.