§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of GPs in Wales are fundholders; how many fundholding applications are outstanding; and if he will make a statement. [14666]
§ Mr. RichardsThere are 117 GP fundholding practices, comprising over 30 per cent. of GPs, in Wales covering one third of the population. A further 29 practices are preparing to become fundholders from 1 April next, at which time general practitioner and population coverage is expected to increase to some 35.5 per cent. and 40 per cent. respectively.