HC Deb 20 March 1996 vol 274 cc202-3W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement concerning the supply of GPs in Wales. [21127]

Mr. Richards

The number of GPs in Wales is 1,710–28 per cent. more than in 1979, when it was 1,339. The average list size continues to fall—from 2,133 in 1979 to 1,744 in 1995.

The Medical Practices Committee survey of GP recruitment last year concluded that there is a downward trend in the number of applicants for vacancies, but that there are still sufficient numbers for appointments to be made.

The Welsh Office is keeping a close eye on the situation, and has taken soundings from family health services authorities about the situation in their areas. These, together with the MPC findings, show that there is no overall shortage of GPs at national level although there are pockets of difficulty in certain places. The Welsh Office is exploring with the service ways in which we may alleviate these problems.