§ Mr. Gwilym JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when discussions will begin with professional bodies and others on the primary health care initiative announced by him in the programme for the valleys.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerA consultation letter is to issue to all those with an interest before the recess, and I shall place the text in the Library of the House. The scheme will blend practical support for primary health care practitioners with advanced professional training initially for doctors and nurses together. It will aim to ensure that patients will be able to obtain a still wider and better managed range of services, well adapted to their needs and supportive of health promotion more generally. It will present a novel and significant opportunity for constructive development in practice team working, and in service partnership for patients. Subject to parliamentary approval I intend that just under £500,000 be made available for full year provision in support of the scheme. I hope that all of those involved will lend their efforts to help in realising the scheme's potential.