§ Mrs. BeckettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to assist the recruitment of primary health care staff in deprived areas. [42032]
§ Mr. MaloneAll family health services authorities are able to target their cash limited resources to areas of968W greatest need. In addition, as part of the Government's London implementation zone initiative, FHSAs are able to provide assistance to general practitioners in the employment of a wider range of health care staff. The number of whole-time equivalent staff employed by general practitioners increased from 37,546 in 1989 to 51,833 last year—a rise of nearly 40 per cent.