To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22072 by Malcolm Chisholm on 1 February 2002, what information it has regarding the number of patients removed from GPs lists in the Lanarkshire NHS Board area and what guidance it gives to GPs to guard against inappropriate removal.

The numbers of patients removed from GPs' lists in the Lanarkshire NHS Board area each year excluding those removed as a result of death, emigration or change of address are as follows:

The terms of service for GPs are set out in the NHS (General Medical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1995. Except where a GP wishes removal to take place with immediate effect because of violence or the threat of it, the regulations do not require GPs to give reasons for the removal of a patient and consequently no guidance has been issued from the Executive.

The General Medical Council has issued guidance to doctors which states that they must not discriminate against patients on the basis of their lifestyle, culture, beliefs, race, colour, gender, sexuality, age, social status or perceived economic worth. The guidance makes clear that it refers in cases where patients are removed.