§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the expenses incurred by general medical practitioners to computerise their practices is re-imbursed; if his Department keeps records of the number of computerised practices and the present proportion of all practices now computerised; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonAll expenses incurred in providing general medical services are reimbursed. About half, including expenditure on computers is returned indirectly on an average basis through fees and allowances. The Department does not have a record of the number of computerised practices; this is a matter for general practitioners themselves as independent contractors and is not subject to any central control or return. It is estimated, however, that some 800–1,000 practices, or a little under 10 per cent. of the total, now have computers.