Thank you for your statement, Minister. I welcome the introduction of this Bill and I feel that it is long overdue, as many GPs have been put off following their career path, and this large amount of money for insurance can only be seen as a positive regarding recruitment and retention of GPs. Something had to be done in this area, and this is a very good start towards recruitment and retention. So, ensuring also parity with the NHS in England is essential, and, if we are to improve recruitment and retention, again, of medical practitioners in Wales, this parity is extremely important.

The fact that indemnity cover for GPs has been skyrocketing has had an impact on the profession, which is why I supported the introduction of the future liabilities scheme. It's sad that the UK is becoming more litigious, and the explosion of medical negligence claims firms in recent times has undoubtedly led to the massive increase in indemnity costs.

I support also the extension of the indemnity scheme to cover existing liabilities. Minister, one of the criticisms of the future liabilities scheme has been the need for a locum register, separate from the medical performers list, in order to provide cover for sessional doctors. So, will you consider, Minister, using this Bill to reform the future liabilities scheme and the existing liabilities scheme to remove the need for a separate locum register? Minister, are you working with the NHS in England to ensure doctors in cross-border areas have equity of cover? Finally, Minister, how will the scheme operate in relation to prison doctors, given the many differing arrangements for prison healthcare in Wales?

I look forward to conducting detailed scrutiny of this Bill during its passage through the Assembly, but also working with you to ensure medical practitioners in Wales have affordable indemnity cover. Diolch yn fawr.