§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether general practices which submit applications for the reimbursement of computer costs which meet Government criteria will automatically be paid in the current financial year if they submit their application in the next few months;
306W(2) how much money is in his 1990–91 budget for the reimbursement of computer costs for general practice; and what happens to applications for reimbursement if the budget is exhausted.
§ Mr. DorrellThere has been made available £24 million in 1990–91 for direct reimbursement of general practice computing costs in England, the balance of expenditure being reimbursed indirectly through fees and allowances. Claims which meet the criteria will be paid in this financial year. Should funds become fully committed valid claims which are not paid in 1990–91 may be resubmitted in the next financial year. The resources available in Wales and Scotland are matters for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of Slate for Health how many general practice budgets qualify for the fund for the reimbursement of computer costs.
§ Mr. DorrellAll GP practices are entitled to claim up to 50 per cent. reimbursement of the costs of purchasing, upgrading or leasing computers. In addition, those practices which formally commit themselves to participation in the practice funding scheme will be eligible for a further 25 per cent. reimbursement of these costs.