§ Ms KellyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements he is making to abolish GP fundholding. [69658]
§ Mr. DenhamFurther to the oral answer I gave on 2 February 1999,Official Report, column 711, the position is as follows. The current general practitioner fundholding schemes will be brought to an end on 31 March 1999 through secondary legislation. The Health Bill makes provision for the abolition of GP fundholding. A residual fundholding scheme, to be made by regulations under current legislation, will operate from 1 April until the first practicable date after the Health Bill receives Royal Assent.