§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement about the future of the General Practice Finance Corporation.
§ Mr. NewtonThe Government's plans for the future of the General Practice Finance Corporation were announced in the White Paper "Promoting Better Health" (Cm. 249), published last November. Subject to Parliament's approval for the Health and Medicines Bill the constitution of the corporation will be changed to facilitate maximum use of private sector funds. In the meantime, the existing arrangement for borrowing from public sector funds is continuing.
To lead the corporation during this important period of change, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Derek Hughes, the current deputy chairman, to fill the chairman vacancy, and Dr. Alistair Riddell to replace Mr. Hughes as deputy chairman.
We look forward to further discussion with the corporation and representatives of the profession as we carry our proposals forward. The corporation's annual report for 1986–87 is presented to Parliament today.