Written question asked by Roger Sims (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 March 1997. It was answered by Gerald Malone (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: If he will comment on the analysis his Department has carried out of the drugs budgets of general practitioner fundholders and of non-fundholders. (Failed OPQ) - Inc figs.

Answer: Sir Roger Sims: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the analysis his Department has carried out of the drugs budgets of general practitioner fundholders and of non-fundholders. [19180] Mr. Malone: Health authorities allocate prescribing budgets annually, to both fundholding and non-fundholding general practitioners, to meet patient needs. Guidance is issued to help health authorities achieve equity between fundholding and non-fundholding practices and the national health service executive's regional offices oversee the whole process to ensure fairness. Analysis of the management of drugs budgets by fundholders and non-fundholders shows a 6 per cent. saving by each wave of fundholders compared with trends in expenditure by non-fundholders. These savings are "locked in" and currently represent some £100 million each year.

Secondary information