Written question asked by Nick Ainger (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 March 1997. It was answered by Gerald Malone (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: What were the average (a) management and (b) computer costs for a general practitioner fundholding practice in each health authority in England in each of the past five years. - Inc fact that data have been placed in Library Dep/3 4863. (Holding answer 24 February 1997).

Answer: Mr. Ainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were the average (a) management and (b) computer costs for a general practitioner fundholding practice in each health authority in England in each of the past five years. [17470] Mr. Malone: [holding answer 24 February 1997]: The available data have been placed in the Library. For 1995-96 and 1996-97, the tables identify allocations to health authorities for practice fund management allowance and computing allocations, and separately identify preparatory year and full fundholders so that a meaningful average can be calculated. For 1993-94 and 1994-95, the tables identify the total PFMA expenditure by full and preparatory year fundholders, but divided by full fundholders only. The figures for 1995-96 and 1996-97 include both computer purchase costs, shown separately, and computer maintenance costs, included within general PFMA. Both these components are excluded from the 1993-94 and 1994-95 figures, so the figures are not comparable over time. Data by Family Health Services Authority are not centrally available for 1992-93.

Secondary information