§ Mr. Denzil DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will set out the steps which are being taken by his Department to end in Wales the internal market of the national health service. [5874]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsI have deferred approval of the eighth wave of GP fundholding until July 1998 to allow breathing space to develop alternative commissioning models. I recently announced that I would be inviting proposals to pilot new arrangements for locality commissioning, supported by some of the savings generated by the postponement.
Officials have notified health authorities and GP fundholders that revised budgetary arrangements will be developed to remove some of the disadvantages experienced by patients of non-fundholding practices. Detailed guidance will issue shortly.
I have also asked the Welsh Association of Fundholding Practices (WAFP) and the General Medical Services Council (GMSC) for Wales to work with me to determine the direction of health care in the principality, building on current best practice.
On 25 June the Government announced a White Paper on the National Health Service's internal market. It will be the subject of extensive consultation throughout Wales in the autumn.