HC Deb 16 December 1993 vol 234 c808W
Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which view will prevail where there is a fundamental difference of opinion between health and industry purchasers and fund-holding general practitioners about the use of a particular hospital.

Dr. Mawhinney

General practitioner fund-holders have the freedom to purchase the best possible care for their patients from whichever hospital they judge best. They are however required to share their broad purchasing intentions with district health authorities in advance to enable provider units to plan effectively.