HC Deb 20 January 1997 vol 288 c500W
12. Mr. Jacques Arnold

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many GP fundholders there are in Wales; and what plans there are to extend this scheme. [9918]

Mr. Gwilym Jones

There are 210 and a further 25 are expected to become fundholders from 1 April next. Fundholding now covers 52 per cent. of the population of Wales and I expect its popularity to continue to increase.

25. Mr. Hayes

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of the population in Wales is served by fundholding GPs. [9932]

Mr. Jones

Fifty-two per cent. of the Welsh population are now covered by fundholding GPs, and this will rise to 55 per cent. by next April.