General Practitioners

Oral Answers to Questions — Northern Ireland – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 13 Mehefin 1991.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Martin Smyth Martin Smyth , Belfast South 12:00, 13 Mehefin 1991

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications have been received for general practitioner fund-holding practices.

Photo of Mr Jeremy Hanley Mr Jeremy Hanley , Richmond and Barnes

None, Sir. Applications have not yet been invited, but we are intending to do so by the end of this year.

Photo of Martin Smyth Martin Smyth , Belfast South

Will the Minister kindly tell us the reason for the delay as the management plan said that applications should be in by 1 July? Is that a reflection of the fact that many GPs in Northern Ireland oppose fund-holding status?

Photo of Mr Jeremy Hanley Mr Jeremy Hanley , Richmond and Barnes

Fund-holding status has been well received within Great Britain and the Government remain fully committed to its implementation in Northern Ireland. As the hon. Gentleman rightly said, fund-holding will commence a year later than originally planned. The reason for the postponement is to allow the Department and the boards more time to undertake the detailed work involved in the implementation of fund-holding. To be frank, I believe that we can benefit from the opportunity to learn from the experience in Great Britain.