§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many general practitioners will be equipped with the necessary software to enable them to be responsible for their budgets from 1 April 1991.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythDiscussions with the computer companies are currently taking place. The details of these discussions are commercially sensitive, but the general objective is to ensure that the necessary software will be available to all the GPs wishing to take part in the practice funding scheme.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the latest estimated cost of developing and supplying the computer software systems for doctors eligible and electing to run their own budgets.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythDevelopment and supplying of the software package for practice funding is a matter for the GP computer suppliers. Without details of their development costs it is not possible to estimate the cost of supply.