HC Deb 24 October 2002 vol 391 cc506-7W
Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many former GPs have applied for the £10,000 welcome back initiative. [75564]

Mr. Hutton

[holding answer 21 October 2002]: It was announced on 24 September 2002 that the National Health Service general practitioner Golden Hello scheme would be extended to GPs returning to general practice. Details of how the scheme will be extended are currently being discussed with the profession. We expect to be able to launch the scheme this autumn, subject to the conclusion of these discussions. Payments will be backdated to 24 September.

Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many GP surgeries in England and Wales have(a) opened and (b) closed in each of the last five years. [75523]

Mr. Hutton

[holding answer 21 October 2002]: The information requested for England is not collected centrally. Questions relating to Wales are now matters for the devolved administration.