HC Deb 19 February 1997 vol 290 cc621-2W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what organisations have proposed amendments to the National Health Service (Primary Care) Bill[Lords] to his Department. [15814]

Mr. Malone

The Department has held discussions with a number of organisations, including representatives of primary care professionals, about the provisions of the National Health Service (Primary Care) Bill, including discussions about how the Bill might be amended in ways to meet their particular concerns. However, amendments may be proposed only through hon. Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Mr. Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultations he has had with(a) unions representing medical workers, (b) NHS trusts, (c) medical insurance companies and (d) the British Medical Association regarding the National Health Service (Primary Care) Bill [Lords].[15815]

Mr. Malone

The Bill follows wide consultations with all those with an interest in primary care, including national health service trusts, general practitioners, dentists, nurses and other health professionals and their representatives. The range and variety of consultation is outlined in the annex to "Primary Care: The Future", published on 10 June 1996, copies of which are available in the Library.

Discussions about the Bill and its proposals between officials and representatives of the professions are continuing. Officials have had a preliminary meeting with a representative of the Medical Defence Union, at its request, to discuss the arrangements for indemnity under the proposals.

Cases of definite and probable sporadic CJD by age at death (1988 to 1991)
1988 1989 1990 1991
Age range Definite Probable Definite Probable Definite Probable Definite Probable
0 to 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
21 to 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
31 to 40 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
41 to 50 1 0 0 l 2 0 1 0
51 to 60 4 3 5 2 9 2 9 1

Mr. Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on the status of the family doctor service within the NHS; [15828]

(2) what plans he has to propose amendments to the National Health Service (Primary Care) Bill [Lords].[15816]

Mr. Malone

I refer the hon. Member to the opening statement on Second Reading of the National Health Service (Primary Care) Bill on 11 February,Official Report, at columns 146–158.