HC Deb 21 March 1990 vol 169 cc623-4W
Mr. Hume

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what base data indexes will be used in formulating practice budgets and indicative prescribing budgets for general medical practitioners in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Needham

[holding answer 14 March 1990]: Indicative prescribing budgets and practice funds will be set at levels which reflect the needs of patients. The precise method of calculation has not yet been determined.

Mr. Hume

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration has been given by the Northern Ireland DHSS to employing the eight Jarman factors to index social deprivation in relation to general medical practitioners' practice budgets and indicative prescribing budgets; what factors the Department would not deem to be appropriate for use in Northern Ireland giving the reasons for this; and what factors it deems to be suitable giving reasons.

Mr. Needham

[holding answer 14 March 1990]: The factors to be taken into account in determining GP indicative budgets and practice funds have not yet been decided. No detailed consideration has yet been given to the use of factors relating to social deprivation.

Mr. Hume

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what social factors will be taken into account in determining practice budgets and indicative prescribing budgets for general medical practitioners in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Needham

[holding answer 14 March 1990]: Indicative prescribing budgets and practice funds will be set at levels which reflect the needs of patients. The factors to be taken into account in determining the levels and whether social factors should he used have not yet been decided.