§ Dr. Edmund Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applications by general practitioners to start practising in intermediate areas have been (a) made and (b) approved since the inception of the National Health Service.
§ Mr. MoyleSuch applications are dealt with by the Medical Practices Committee, an independent statutory body. I understand that the information is not available, and could be provided only at the cost of delaying current approvals. Applications to start new practices in these areas are rarely granted, although many doctors enter these areas each year as replacements for retiring doctors, or as additional partners in existing practices where the practice list is growing. The total number of doctors entering these areas in the year to 1 October 1977, the last year for which figures are available was just over 600.