asked the Minister for Health the estimated over-expenditure on the GMS in each health board area in the current year; if it is intended to correct the deficit; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Health Expenditure.
591.
The provisions in Subhead G. 3 of the Health Estimate in respect of the expense of the General Medical Services (Payments) Board is £93 million in the current year. This represents a 7 per cent increase on the provision for 1984, viz. £86.681 millions. The provision was based mainly on an estimate of numbers eligible for general medical services and on reasonable average levels of visiting and prescribing by general practitioners involved in the services. I am concerned that the visiting and prescribing rates have shown an increase in the early months of this year, and unless the situation is corrected, problems may arise in funding the scheme. The question of the measures which might appropriately be taken is at present under active consideration.