§ Mr. EnrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what happens to the interest which accrues from surplus sums deposited in the regional savings account by fundholding practices.
§ Dr. MawhinneyFundholders may accrue savings for up to four years. These are held by the appropriate regional health authority as part of their usual cash management programme. The question of interest does not therefore arise.
§ Mr. EnrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what financial arrangements are made with the fund-holding practices which end the year in deficit.
§ Dr. MawhinneyAny overspending by a general practitioner fundholder will be met from regional health authority contingencies. Where overspending is the result of mismanagement, the GP fundholders may have their fundholding status withdrawn.
§ Mr. EnrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what sum has been deposited as surplus by fundholding practices in the Wakefield area in the regional savings account.
§ Dr. MawhinneyRegional health authorities are responsible for managing the general practitioner fundholding scheme in their areas. For local information in the Yorkshire region the hon. Member may wish to contact Sir Bryan Askew, chairman of the Yorkshire regional health authority.