§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many Primary Care Act pilots (1) were planned by the previous Government; and how many have been developed; [100196]
(2) have been planned by the present Government; and how many have (a) been developed and (b) are in the process of being developed. [100197]
§ Mr. DenhamNo Primary Care Act pilots were initiated by the previous Government.
Personal Medical Services pilots
Since 1998 there have been two waves of applications. In the first wave, 134 expressions of interest were received; 118 applications were received subsequently, and 102 approvals were issued. 88 schemes went live on 1 April 1998, with 83 pilots still operating at 1 September 1999.
In the second wave, announced in October 1998, over 400 expressions of interest were received. This resulted in 315 proposals being submitted by the end of June 1999. Of those, 204 were approved, with 116 going live in October 1999 and a further 86 by April 2000.
Personal Dental Services pilots
Since 1998 there have been three waves of applications. There were 15 pilots in the first wave, 13 of which started in October 1998 with a further two starting in January 1999. In the second wave, 72 expressions of interest were received, and the roll-out of 23 pilots commenced in October 1999. 120 expressions of interest were received 301W for the third wave. These are currently being considered. Pilots in the third wave will commence from October 2000.