In the sixth edition of this work John Fry has reverted to the format of the earlier editions published in 1965, 1970 and 1973 and has presented statistical data drawn widely from many sources. General practice in the United Kingdom and elsewhere throughout the world has undergone many changes in the past decade. This new edition brings the available statistical informa­ tion up to date and indicates the way ahead. General practice, the College and the National Health Service have been closely linked in effecting change. The membership of the College con­ tinues to grow and its influence in changing the face of general practice in the United Kingdom is significant. John Fry''s new book presents that characteristic blend of fact and personal opinion which was so successful in earlier editions and so valuable to general practice and others in primary health care. Once again he has shown what can be achieved by one man based on his own work and those of others in general practice. John Lawson RCGP, 1983 President of the Royal College of General Practitioners vi Preface The Present State and Future Needs series had its roots in the dark days of the early 1960s when morale in general practice was low and when numbers of new entrants were actually going down. They were the days of mass emigration of doctors from Britain and the National Health Service. The fourth and fifth editions were entitled Trends in General Practice (1977 and 1979).