§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his current plans to safeguard the provision of health care in rural areas.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe proposals in the Scottish new contract, published on 12 April (copies of which are available in the Library) were devised to take account of the special circumstances of Scottish doctors, and in particular those who practise in the less-populated areas. These proposals, which are reflected in the agreement announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health on 5 May, have been accepted by the profession's negotiators. This will ensure that patients in rural areas not only continue to receive the present high 27W standards of health care, but will also be able to take advantage of the additional services which their GPs are encouraged to provide under the new arrangements.