§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider introducing increased inducement payments for family medical practitioners in rural areas where there is (a) great sparsity of population, (b) excessive remoteness and isolation from hospital facilities and other practices predominate, (c) the setting up of satellite surgeries on a fixed or mobile basis would be beneficial, (d) substantial inter-house call distances are the normal practice and (e) locums are difficult to attract and acquire.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeRural practice payments are available to compensate doctors for the additional time and expense involved in practice in rural areas. Inducement payments are available for a doctor practising in an area where we have accepted that it is essential to maintain a medical practice though the area is sparsely populated and is for some other reason unattractive to a doctor. There is no fixed inducement payment but eligibility for payment and the amount paid are determined on the merits of the individual case. Doctors who wish to invest in new purpose built branch surgeries may already qualify for substantial help under the cost rent scheme which in most cases will cover the interest on the capital borrowed for the project and provide a return on the capital invested.