THE use of higher-cost phone lines at GP surgeries may be stopped following a public consultation.

The Government has asked people to give their views about 084 numbers, which cost more than local lines.

Launched yesterday, the public consultation comes after the Evening Telegraph revealed in January that 25 doctors' surgeries in the county, including nine in Derby, used the 084 code.

Both Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust and NHS Derby City have been investigating the issue.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust said: "The vast majority of the information for our assessment of 084 numbers has now been collated, and is due before the Primary Care Trust board today.

"This is in the confidential section of the meeting, due to the commercially-sensitive nature of the individual contracts. We hope to make its findings public shortly."

No-one from NHS Derby City was available for comment.

In 2005, the Department of Health banned the use of premium and national charge rates to call local NHS healthcare services in England – but this did not extend to 084 numbers.

The 14-week consultation will seek views from users of 084 numbers, people who provide services using those numbers, NHS organisations that do not use them, the telecommunications industry and other interested parties.

A copy of the 084 consultation booklet is available in GP surgeries and hospitals.

It can also be viewed online at www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consult ations/Liveconsultations/ index.htm.