§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will ensure that health authorities are able to commission primary care services from general practitioners according to locally expressed needs., and if he will make a statement. [36188]
(2) what action he is taking to ensure that primary care services are developed according to local community needs and priorities; and if he will make a statement. [36159]
§ Mr. MaloneHealth authorities are responsible for developing strategies in consultation with local people for improving health and health services, including supporting and developing primary care. A major consultation exercise is also under way to identify how primary care services might be further developed in future.