§ Mr. ProsserTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the golden hello payments to general practitioners joining the NHS to come into effect; and if he will make a statement. [11986]
§ Mr. HuttonAll doctors taking up a first post as a principal, assistant or salaried general medical services general practitioner or as a personal medical services performer on or after 1 April 2001 are or will be eligible for payments under the "golden hello" scheme. The detailed implementation of the scheme is subject to consultation with the profession, which is in progress.
We aim to conclude consultation in time to enable payments to be made to all eligible doctors in September.