Conservative MP Marion Roe, the former chairman of the Common's Health Committee, said GPs throughout the country were worried that the plans would end in disaster.

Mrs Roe called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to hold a ballot of all GPs to ascertain the level of support for the proposed reforms.

The BMA has launched a concerted campaign to force the government to modify its proposals. It is particularly concerned that GPs will be made to take the blame for scarce NHS resources, and that the financial demands of hospital care and prescriptions will leave no money left to develop GP surgeries.

Serious concerns

Speaking at Prime Minister's Question time, Mrs Roe said: "Serious concerns are being expressed about the introduction of primary care groups and the risk to general medical services funds which could devastate the further development of a primary-care-led NHS.

"Will the Prime Minister take lessons from the previous Conservative government in giving GPs the opportunity to put the best interest of their patients first?"

Mr Blair admitted there were concerns among GPs at the present time, and he said discussions were taking place.

But he added: "In the end it is important that we take decisions in respect of the NHS, of course working in partnership with doctors and nurses, but they should be taken in the interests of the NHS as a whole, and making sure we deliver the best service for the people.