The Deputy will appreciate that global expenditure figures for the GMS have only recently become available and these, together with the more detailed data on activity in the GMS Scheme during 1993, are currently being examined by the GMS (Payments) Board.
As part of this process I have requested the Board to examine the operation of the indicative target scheme during the year and to attempt to identify any changes in prescribing practice which occurred during the year. I will communicate the findings of the Board in this regard to the Deputy when they are available to me.