HC Deb 18 June 1997 vol 296 c223W
21. Mr. Rhodri Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the future of GP fundholding in Wales. [2614]

Mr. Win Griffiths

We are committed to a comprehensive and equitable health service and to the abolition of the two tier system and internal market. We have deferred approval of the 8th wave of fundholding in Wales until July 1998 to provide a breathing space to allow the development of alternative commissioning models. We have also asked GMSC Wales and the Welsh Association of fundholding Practices to work with us to determine the direction of Health Care in the Principality, building on current best practice. Changes are needed to the existing arrangements but it is important that they are the right changes.