§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average ratio of family doctors to patients was in(a) 1997 and (b) 2000; and what the average is now in (i) England and (ii) North Yorkshire. [98050]
§ Mr. HuttonThe average ratio of all practitioner, excluding general practitioner retainers, and unrestricted principle equivalents GPs to patients in England and North Yorkshire in 1997, 2000 and 2001 is shown in the table.
§ Jacqui SmithA £19.75 million choice protects grant will be paid to local authorities in 2003–04 to expand and strengthen their fostering services. The choice protects review is examining placement services for looked after children with a particular emphasis on fostering services. Fostering allowances are being considered alongside issues such as recruitment, retention and methods of supporting foster carers.
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§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much is paid towards foster care allowances in each Social Services Authority. [96091]
§ Jacqui SmithThis information is not held centrally.
§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to standardise allowances paid to foster carers throughout the United Kingdom. [96092]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Department of Health is currently reviewing all aspects of the fostering service, including remuneration and other issues such as training and support as part of the Choice Protects review.