§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he sought or has available as to the effects, particularly in areas of rapid population growth, of his proposals to discontinue the limited practice allowance for general practitioners; and what savings he expects from implementation of such a policy.
§ Mr. MellorOur new contract proposal for raising the qualifying threshold for basic practice allowance from a minimum of 100 to 400 patients has now been agreed with the general medical services committee's negotiators. The proposal will strengthen general practitioners' commitment to the provision of general medical services, and provide an incentive to general practitioners to build up their lists. For general practitioners providing essential services who are unable to attract at least 400 patients the present inducement allowance arrangements will apply. In areas of development, where, for example, a new housing estate is being built, a general practitioner may be able to claim an initial practice allowance which will provide sufficient remuneration until he or she has built up his or her list.
82WBecause fees and allowances are set to deliver to the profession as a whole the level of remuneration recommended by the review body on doctors' and dentists' remuneration, no savings to the Government arise from this proposal.