§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what reviews are being carried out in the financing of the family practitioner service; who is to carry out the review; if he will give details of this; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke[pursuant to the reply, 7 July 1982, c. 146]: The Government have been concerned for some time about the methods for controlling expenditure on the family practitioner services. We have therefore decided to commission an independent study by professional consultants of the present arrangements to see if any improvements can be made. The consultants' terms of reference will be—
To examine and review the arrangements for forecasting and control of expenditure on the family practitioner services, including the possibility of operating a cash limit on part or all of the expenditure either separately or in conjunction with the hospital and community health services, and to make recommendations, compatible with the contractual status of the professions, the structure of the health services and the present nature and extent of the clinical services provided.Tenders will be invited for the work from selected consultancy firms shortly with a view to a report being available early next year.