Mr. Tom Ellisasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) whether, during the past five years, he has asked for an inquiry into the distribution of the National Health Service Rural Practices Fund in any part of Wales;
(2) whether he is satisfied that the National Health Service Rural Practices Fund is being distributed equitably in Wales.
§ Mr. Barry JonesFamily practitioner committees are required to make payments in accordance with criteria recommended by an Advisory Committee and518W designed to secure equitable distribution of the fund throughout England and Wales. We have not asked for any inquiry. The appropriateness of payments made is tested in the course of regular audit of the accounts of family practitioner committees which have procedures for review of local practice where any doubt arises.