To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress his Department has made in responding to the recommendations contained in the report of the group chaired by Professor Mayur Lakhani on primary care for black and minority ethnic people; and if he will make a statement. (241347)

As part of the GP Access Programme, the Department has sought to engage primary care trusts and general practitioner (GP) practices in improving access for people with the poorest experience such as patients from black and minority ethnic groups. In 2008, the national GP Patient survey showed that patients from a black and minority ethnic group had seen the biggest improvement in their experience of accessing GPs with whom they are registered. Nevertheless, more needs, and can be, done to improve access for such patients. We are continuing to work with strategic health authorities to collate and share the best practice that exists within the national health service in order to support implementation of Professor Mayur Lakhani’s recommendations. We expect to see continued improvements in patient experience and satisfaction with the access they receive to general practices as reported through the national GP Patient Survey.