HC Deb 03 March 1993 vol 220 c168W
Ms Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what efforts are being taken by regional health authorities and family health service authorities to encourage awareness among general practitioners and the public of the availability of complementary therapists on the national health service.

Mr. Sackville

None. General practitioners are already aware that, under their terms of service, they are able to employ a wide range of staff, including complementary therapists where necessary, to assist them in the provision of general medical services. The range of services they provide are contained in the information leaflets they are required to make available to their patients. Family health services authorities are also required to make available local directories of the general practitioners in their area and the services they provide.

Ms Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her Department's latest estimate of the annual numbers of the public paying to see an alternative health practitioner.

Mr. Sackville

No information is held centrally on which to base such an estimate.