§ Mrs. BeckettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health authorities have joint or locality commissioning procedures in place within their primary health care teams; what funds or other resources are available in support of such initiatives; and if he will make a statement. [35522]
§ Mr. MaloneThis information is not available centrally. Health authorities are expected to work in partnership with all general practices in their locality in developing and implementing health and service strategies. It is for health authorities and general practices to determine locally what arrangements should be put in place to enable effective joint working.