HC Deb 16 March 1994 vol 239 cc726-7W
Mr. Clapham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were the average savings made by each fundholding practice in 1992–93.

Dr. Mawhinney

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) on 17 January at column387.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the resources of fundholding general practice is being used to purchase health provision from the private sector; what is her policy in respect of such purchasing; and if she will make a statement.

Dr. Mawhinney

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Bristol, South (Ms Primarolo) on 7 February at column52.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list those health authorities which have indicated to general practitioners an inability to fund extra-contractual referrals during the current financial year.

Dr. Mawhinney

This is a matter for individual district health authorities. The National Health Service Management Executive has issued guidance to district health authorities who are expected to work closely with general practitioners in managing their budget for extra contractual referrals. Copies of the guidance contained in FDL(93)07 are available in the Library.