HC Deb 12 June 1996 vol 279 cc215-6W
Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of NHS expenditure on hospital and community services in Scotland is managed by GP fundholding. [31811]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

In 1995–96 GP fundholders managed 3.7 per cent. of NHS revenue expenditure on hospital and community services in Scotland.

Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was(a) the total national cost and (b) the cost per health board area of the allowances to cover the additional administrative costs of general practitioner fundholding in Scotland in each year since its introduction. [31810]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Cunninghame, South (Mr. Donohoe) on 6 February,Official Report, columns 83–86.

Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many health boards in Scotland have established fundholding units as a means of supporting and encouraging general practitioner fundholding; and what is the annual cost of these units in each case. [31817]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

None of the health boards in Scotland has established fundholding units. There is, however, a department of primary care within each health board which seeks to develop general practice. Staff involved in the management and support of all GPs, including fundholders, are employed within these departments.

Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total amount of efficiency savings by GP fundholding practices in Scotland in each year since the introduction of GP fundholding including the current year to date. [31813]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

For information on the amount of savings made by GP fundholders held by health boards from 1990–91 to 1994–95, the latest year for which audited accounts are available. I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Cunninghame, South (Mr. Donohoe) on 6 February,Official Report, column 85. Audited figures are not yet available for 1995–96.

Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the total budgets of all GP fundholding practices in Scotland in each year since its introduction, including the current year to date. [31815]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The information requested is set out in the table. Information for the current year to date is not yet available.

Financial year Approved budgets £ million
1991–92 3.1
1992–93 15.5
1993–94 95.5
1994–95 171.8
1995–96 210.0

Back to