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Health Inequalities

If my hon. Friend will allow me, there is so much to answer from those who have already spoken. I shall make progress, but I am happy to speak to him at the end. My noble Friend emphasised in his report the need to help all members of our diverse population live longer, healthier lives, especially those least able to help themselves. What that will mean for areas with poor primary care provision is clear from that interim report. There is a strong correlation between underdoctored areas and deprivation: many such primary care trusts are also spearhead areas. A new package will provide 100 new GP practices, including up to 900 GPs, nurses and health assistants, in the 25 per cent. of PCTs with the poorest provision.