HC Deb 20 June 1990 vol 174 cc619-20W
Mr. Kennedy

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many general practitioners or general practitioner practices have expressed an interest in becoming practice budget holders within each health board in Scotland;

(2) how many general practitioners or general practitioner practices will be eligible to become practice budget holders within each health board;

(3) if he will publish the names of the general practitioners or practices which have expressed an interest in becoming practice budget holders.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

[holding answer 19 June 1990]: It is not possible to say how many practices are eligible to become budget holders. The initiative is limited to practices with a list size of at least 9,000 patients, but smaller practices can link together in order to meet the list size criterion. Moreover, eligibility is dependent on the practices being able to demonstrate that they have adequate management skills to administer the fund, and will have suitable computer support systems up and running by the operative date. There are approximately 147 practices which could meet the list size criterion. Expressions of interest have been received from 46 practices to date.

Mr. Robin Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many general practitioner practices are now eligible to become budget holders; how many have expressed an interest in budget holding; and if he will name those practices.

Mr. Rifkind

[holding answer 19 June 1990]: It is not possible to say how many practices are eligible to become budget holders. Practices with list sizes of over 11,000 patients will be eligible, while those with 9,000 to 11,000 patients will be considered on an individual basis. Moreover, it is possible for smaller practices to link together and so meet the minimum list size criterion. In all cases the practice must demonstrate that it has the managerial capacity to administer the fund, and will have adequate computer support systems up and running by the operative date.

To date a total of 46 practices in Scotland have expressed an interest in becoming fund holders. Detailed information on the practices concerned is not held centrally.