HC Deb 13 January 1997 vol 288 cc169-70W
Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when reimbursement from public funds was first given for computers in general practice. [10675]

Mr. Malone

The computer reimbursement scheme came into effect on 1 April 1990 but was retrospective to 1 April 1989. The first payments were made during the 1990–91 financial year.

Mr. Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when national requirements for the accreditation of general practice computer systems first came into force. [10676]

Mr. Horam

The requirements for accreditation were released in April 1993 for implementation in general practice computer systems from April 1994. Copies of the latest version have been placed in the Library.

Mr. Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total amount reimbursed to general practitioners from public funds for purchase of computer systems in each of the last six years. [10674]

Mr. Malone

The total amounts directly reimbursed to general practitioners from public funds for the purchase of computer systems in each of the last six years is as follows:

£ million
1990–91 19
1991–92 34
1992–93 40
1993–94 39
1994–95 45
1995–96 64

Source:

The annual financial returns of the Family Health Services Authorities.

Note:

1 1995–96 data are provisional.