asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the main criteria used in determining the pay of general practitioners; what guidance is given to family practitioner committees on the method of determining pay; and if he will make a statement.

The pay of general medical practitioners is determined by the Government. Save where there are clear and compelling reasons for not doing so, we accept the recommendations of the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration, which advises on the pay of all doctors and dentists working in the NHS. It is the function of family practitioner committees to make payments to general medical practitioners in accordance with the rates and conditions determined by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State after consultation with the medical profession's representatives. These are published in the practitioners' statement of fees and allowances. Family practitioner committees play no part in determining the method of pay.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average number of patients per general practitioner in each of the last three years in each region of the National Health Service.

The average list size for unrestricted principals in England in each of the last three years for which information is available is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the average income of a general practitioner in each of the last three years; and what regional variations exist.

Information on the average income of general medical practitioners in each of the last three years is not available. However, intended average net remuneration for GMPs in the last three financial years has been as follows: