HC Deb 28 July 1977 vol 936 cc503-4W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the average gross remuneration for a general practitioner, the net remuneration and the sum allowed by the tax authorities as expenses not liable to income tax in columns showing present pay, that recommended by the Review Body, the amounts as claimed in negotiations with him by the British Medical Association and the amounts before and after next April if within the Government's pay policy.

Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the average pay for general practitioners employed within the National Health Service for the financial year ended March 1977.

Mr. Moyle

For the year ended 31st March 1977, the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration recommended fees and allowances for general medical practitioners intended to produce average net remuneration of £8,485 and provision for practice expenses of £4,260. It recommended a supplement of up to £312 per annum to those practitioners earning less than £8,500 a year. During the year, estimated gross payments to general practitioners averaged £16,160 per practitioner: this included £2,935 for practice expenses directly reimbursed and not covered by the Review Body's recommendations and £405 payment for contraceptive services, and left—assuming that expenses reimbursed through fees and allowances equal the provision made by the Review Body—an average of £8,560 net remuneration for services other than contraceptive services. The Review Body has recommended for 1977–78 increased provision of £240 for practice expenses and payment of a supplement of up to £208 on net remuneration. The payment for contraceptive services will be additional. Remuneration from 1st April 1978 will depend on the Government's decision on the recommendations of the Review Body in the light of policy at the time.

No claim in respect of remuneration is made by the British Medical Association in negotiations: both sides submit evidence to the Review Body.