§ 32. Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what further discussions he proposes with the British Medical Association before he implements the new general practitioner contract.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI have no plans for further discussions with the British Medical Association on the subject of the GPs' new contract before that contract is introduced. My officials are still consulting them on technical and drafting details of the new statement of fees and allowances.
§ 50. Mr. AmosTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the allocation of travelling time for general practitioners in rural areas under the new contract obligation of 26 hours patient contact time.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyIt is accepted that the 26-hour requirement in the revised terms of service for general556W practitioners includes travelling time when GPs make home visits. There is no specific element within the 26 hours which is allocated to travelling time because GPs in some rural areas will need more travelling time for home visits than those in urban areas.
§ 82. Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give a progress report on the implementation of the general practitioners' new contract.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe NHS (General Medical and Pharmaceutical Services) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1989 were laid on 16 October and certain parts come into operation today. The revised statement of fees and allowances will be sent to all GPs later this month with a copy of their revised terms of service. FPCs will shortly receive a circular of guidance on the management of the GP's new contract. These arrangements will enable GPs and FPCs to make detailed plans for the full implementation of the new contract from 1 April next year.