Mr. Robert AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what advice: she offers fund-holding general practitioners on how to reduce the cost of hospital treatment required by their patients;
(2) to what extent she expects a fund-holding general practitioner to follow his patient's wishes with regard to the choice of hospital to which they are sent for treatment;
(3) what advice she has given to fund-holding general practitioner's with regard to the number of hospitals they hold contracts with.
§ Dr. MawhinneyGeneral practitioner fundholders are able to purchase services on behalf of their patients and, in consultation with them, from whichever hospital offers the best quality care and value for money.