§ Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the doctor/patient ratio in the Leek parliamentary constituency; if he is satisfied that the emergency doctor service in that area is working satisfactorily; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. Joseph:The average list size in my hon. Friend's constituency is 2,507, compared with the national average of 2,460. The six doctors in Biddulph have a very large average list; new group practice premises are being built there and I understand that it is intended to recruit at least one additional doctor when they are finished.
Most practices in the area operate rota schemes outside normal hours. Five doctors have consent to use a commercial deputising service: three at weekends and two for alternate Thursdays. The executive council has received no complaints about general medical services in the area.