§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total cost of allowances for computer equipment for(a) non-fundholding general practitioners and (b) fundholding general practitioners for 1992–93 and 1993–94.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe provisional total reimbursement to all general practitioners for computer equipment in 1992–93 and 1993–94 was £40.2 million and £36.5 million respectively. The apportionment of these costs between fundholders and other GPs is not available centrally.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current estimate of the additional audit cost incurred as a result of the introduction of general practitioner fundholding.
§ Dr. MawhinneyGeneral practitioner fundholders fundholding accounts are independently audited each year by the Audit Commission. The total estimated costs in the 1993–94 audit year are about £1.3 million. This is under 0.1 per cent. of budgets set.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total cost of management allowances made to general practitioner practices which became fundholders on 1 April.
§ Dr. MawhinneyManagement allowances are reimbursements against expenditure. Therefore, information for the 1993–94 financial year will not be available until after the year end.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total of budget underspends retained by fundholders in each region and district in 1992–93 and 1993–94.
§ Dr. MawhinneyAudited underspends are held by family health services authorities on behalf of general practitioner fundholders for up to four years for reinvestment in patient care. Final audited figures for 1992–93 and 1993–94 are not yet available.