HC Deb 19 April 1999 vol 329 cc429-30W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many primary care groups are operative in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [80837]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

On 1 April, 22 Local Health Groups became operational as sub committees of their health authorities. They are expected to make a major contribution in three main areas:

the development of health improvement programmes

developing the principles of clinical governance to improve the quality of primary health care; and

informing and developing the commissioning of hospital and community health services.

Local Health Groups are coterminous with unitary authorities, with representatives of the local authorities on their boards; which will allow for more effective use of resources across the range of health and social services expenditure.

Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what(a) guidance and (b) new money he has given to primary care groups. [80836]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

Welsh Office guidance on establishing Local Health Groups was issued in October, followed by guidance on Remuneration and Human Resource, issued in December 1998.

£8.9 million previously used for the GP Fundholder Management allowance will be allocated to health authorities this year to cover the start up and operating costs of LHGs.

Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

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