To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 17 November 1997, Official Report, column 59, what plans he has to change the arrangements for remunerating general practitioners for care of patients in nursing and residential homes. [17175]

With effect from April 1998, health authorities will be able, under amendments to the National Health Service (General Medical Services) Regulations 1992, to give general practitioners financial incentives beyond those set out in the Statement of Fees and Allowances to enhance the provision of local general medical services. Subject to local priorities which the health authority will determine, this may include the provision of specified general medical services tailored to the needs of those living in nursing and residential homes.At present, the Government have no further plans to change the arrangements for remunerating general practitioners for care of patients in nursing and residential homes.