§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) to what size the patient list is going to be increased in order to qualify for full basic practice allowance, as set out in the primary health care White Paper;
(2) on what measure of patient numbers the practice list leading to qualification for full basic practice allowance will be based; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if the proposal to increase the minimum list for qualification for full basic practice allowance applies to rural areas.
§ Mr. NewtonChanges in the criteria for entitlement to full basic practice allowance proposed in the White Paper "Promoting Better Health" will be the subject of negotiations with the British Medical Association's general medical services committee. We will be consulting the general medical services committee over the scope for introducing measures to assist family doctors who practise in rural areas.