HC Deb 04 May 2004 vol 420 c1469W
Mr. Lansley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) headcount and (b) whole-time equivalent general practitioners there were in each year between 1979 and 1997 inclusive. [168985]

Mr. Hutton

The number of headcount and whole time equivalent general practitioners in each year between 1979 and 1997 is shown in the table.

General Medical Practitioners (excluding retainers)1 in England,

1979–1997 England

Headcount Estimated whole-time equivalents2
1979 23,062 n/a
1980 23,674 n/a
1981 24,359 n/a
1982 24,835 n/a
1983 25,341 n/a
1984 25,788 n/a
1985 26,190 n/a
1986 26,529 n/a
1987 27,023 n/a
1988 27,420 n/a
1988 27,420 n/a
1989 27,749 n/a
1990 27,523 26,982
1991 27,888 27,135
1992 28,185 27,299
1993 28,460 27,387
1994 28,735 27,495
1995 28,869 27,489
1996 29,116 27,549
1997 29,389 27,660
n/a = Not available
Notes:
1 All Practitioners (excluding GP Retainers) includes GMS Unrestricted Principals, PMS Contracted GPs, PMS Salaried GPs, Restricted Principals, Assistants, GP Registrars, Salaried Doctors (Para 52 SFA) and PMS Other.
2 Prior to 1990 all GPs were considered to be full-time
WTE data has been estimated using the results from the 1992–93 G?MP Workload Survey;
Full time = 1.00 wte; three quarter time = 0.69 wte; job share = 0.65 wte; half time=0.60 wte.
All data as at 1 October
Source:
Department of Health General and Personal Medical Services Statistics