HC Deb 16 February 1983 vol 37 cc185-6W
Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence he has that self-certification for the first seven days of illness has reduced the work load of general practitioners.

Mr. Rossi

The work load of general practitioners comprises various elements which may have been affected by the introduction of self-certification in June 1982. The issue of medical statements is one of these and I refer the hon. Member to my reply on 25 January—[Vol. 35, c. 395]—to his question on this subject. Information providing some indication of general trends in work load will not be available centrally until later this year.