HC Deb 17 June 1996 vol 279 cc345-6W
Ms Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) general practitioners and (b) whole-time equivalent general practitioners there were in each of the last three years. [32560]

Mr. Malone

The available information is shown in the table.

1993 1994 1995
Number of unrestricted principles 26,289 26,567 26,702
Number by contractual commitments 25,327.5 25,430.25 25,429.25

Data shown for contractual commitments does not equate to whole time equivalents since general practitioners may work longer hours than those they are contracted to undertake.

Ms Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the latest figures for shortages of general practitioners by(a) region, (b) health authority and (c) county. [32562]

Mr. Malone

The recent Medical Practices Committee survey confirmed that overall there are enough good applicants to enable appointments to be made and we have no information which suggests that general practitioner shortages exist.