HC Deb 06 February 2001 vol 362 c506W
20. Mr. Bill O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to reduce waiting times for patients to see their GP; and if he will make a statement. [147348]

Mr. Denham

In a modernised National Health Service all patients should be able consistently to secure fast and convenient access to a general practitioner. The NHS Plan sets targets to achieve this by 2004. We are backing this commitment with the Access Fund which exists to help primary care trusts and primary care groups to deliver the access targets.