§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioner fund-holding practices will be given the go ahead in the Trent region; on what criteria; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyPractices which applied by 1 November this year to join the scheme will need to satisfy the conditions laid down in the National Health Service (Fund-Holding Practices) (Applications and Recognition) Regulations 1990. I understand that 28 practices in the Trent region are currently undertaking the preparatory work necessary to become fund holders. It will be for the region to decide which practices meet the criteria for recognition.