HC Deb 12 February 1998 vol 306 cc356-7W
Mr. Hesford

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact on non-medical staff requirements of the implementation of GP commissioning; and if he will make a statement. [28289]

Mr. Milburn

As set out in the White Paper "The New NHS", the development of primary care groups will be evolutionary. These primary care groups will involve a range of primary care professionals as well as general practitioners. As part of the process of establishing primary care groups, we shall be considering the role of such bodies in securing an appropriately qualified and competent workforce. Guidance on these and other related issues will be prepared by the National Health Service Executive and issued in due course.