HC Deb 29 November 1995 vol 267 cc725-6W
Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of general practitioners are now fundholders. [2551]

Mr. Malone

As at April 1995, just over 39 per cent. of general practitioners are fundholders serving 41 per cent. of the population.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioners have moved to fundholding status in each year since the inception of the scheme. [2552]

Mr. Malone

The information requested is shown in the table.

Number of fundholding general practitioners
1991–92 1,715
1992–93 1,444
1993–94 2,944
1994–95 2,657
1995–96 1,650

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the percentage of general practitioners expected on present trends to move to fundholding status(a) in 1995, (b) 1996 and (c) 1997. [2553]

Mr. Malone

From April 1995, over 39 per cent. of general practitioners in England are in the fundholding scheme. This is expected to increase to over 50 per cent. by April 1996 with more preparing to join in 1997.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were the total administrative costs of running general practitioner fundholding schemes in each year since the inception of the scheme. [2554]

Mr. Malone

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the right hon. Member for Derby, South (Mrs. Beckett) on 17 January,Official Report, columns 425–26. For 1994–95, expenditure on management allowances was £66 million.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he had with the medical profession to improve the workings of general practitioner fundholding schemes. [2555]

Mr. Malone

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has regular meetings with the medical profession to discuss a range of issues including general practitioner fundholding.