HC Deb 22 February 1994 vol 238 cc207-8W
Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to give family health service authorities the power to suspend doctors where there are strong suspicions of fraud.

Dr. Mawhinney

We are considering the need for legislation to provide, in extreme cases, for a power of suspension of general practitioners from provision of national health service services.

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received from family health services authorities seeking additional powers to enable them to prevent fraud by general practitioners.

Dr. Mawhinney

None.

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what mechanisms exist within the national health service to deal with general practitioners who are suspected of fraud; and if she will make a statement.

Dr. Mawhinney

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Coventry, South-East (Mr. Cunningham) on 18 February, at column1046.