§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list those recommendations of the Acheson report on primary health care in London which have been implemented by his Department, giving in each case the initial and annually recurring costs at constant prices.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe Acheson report on primary health care in inner London had national implications because many of the problems it identified arose to a greater or lesser extent in other major cities. It was therefore commended to all health authorities, local authorities and family practitioner committees which covered inner city areas as a basis for local action within the resources available. But in addition, as my right hon. Friend announced on 27 October 1983, we responded to the recommendations by making available a sum of £9 million to improve primary health care in inner cities. Expenditure will be spread over the period 1983–84 to 1986–87. Expenditure incurred to date and planned for 1985–86 is as follows:
£ million (current year prices) 1983–84 1984–8485 1982–8486 Training of extra Health Visitors and District Nurses 0.703 0.540 0.104 Health authority projects to improve primary health care within their inner city areas 1.201 1.210 0.885 Improvements to GP premises and incentives to group practice 0.025 0.725 0.600 Specially commissioned projects from the King's Fund and other agencies (e.g. to foster collaboration between DMAs and FPCs, support for Academic Departments of General Practice, guidance for GPs in improving practice premises etc.) 0.010 0.077 0.405 Totals 1.939 2.552 2.994 Total spent or committed to 1985–86 = £7.485 million.