§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how he proposes to recruit more general practitioners. [31001]
§ Mr. HagueGovernment policy is to secure an adequate supply of appropriately trained doctors in each sector and specialty, including general practice. This is achieved through advisory and planning mechanisms at a UK and Wales level.
The medical work force standing advisory committee considers the longer-term need for doctors and makes recommendations on the intake of medical schools. In 1995, the committee recommended an increase of 11 per cent. in UK medical school intakes by the year 20000 to a total of 4,970. The Government have accepted that recommendation.
The Welsh Office is involved in UK work force planning through its representation on the advisory group on medical education and staffing. This group is examining the issue of recruitment and retention of GPs. The Welsh Office also has regular discussions with education providers in Wales to ensure that there are appropriate training opportunities to potential GPs.
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§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe Welsh Office has no properties for the sole use of Ministers. Ministers have rooms in properties in Cardiff and London. The cost of these properties are included in the running cost expenditure published in the Welsh Office departmental report 1996, Cm 3215.