§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what assessment he has made of losses arising in the National Health Service from theft and fraud, respectively; and what steps he is taking to control and reduce such losses.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe national summary of health authorities' accounts for the financial year 1981–82 shows that recorded losses from theft, fraud and arson totalled £774,240. The accounts do not give separate totals for theft and fraud.
We issued a health circular in December 1982 calling for health authorities to develop a security strategy. This will require them to revise and improve procedures for recording losses and for combating theft and fraud. We have called for reports by the end of this year and we will be reviewing progress then. I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.