§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many general practitioners and how many consultants have been sued in court in respect of false claims for night visits and maternity calls within the North-West Thames regional health authority during the past year; how many staff at what estimated annual cost are employed in his Department in monitoring such claims; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanI have no information of any prosecutions of general practitioners undertaken this year in the North-West Thames region regarding false claims for fees in respect of night visits to patients or for the provision of maternity medical services. Claims by general practitioners for fees are processed and monitored by family practitioner committees; no Departmental staff are involved. Consultants do not receive fees specifically for night visits or maternity calls.