§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what aspects of family practitioner services administration to be considered by a management consultancy firm were not considered by Binder Hamlyn during its survey of October 1982; why such aspects were not considered; what was the cost of the Binder Hamlyn survey; and what is the estimated cost of the present planned survey.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe terms of reference for the consultancy study announced in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Newark (Mr. Alexander) on 28 April 1983— [Vol. 41, c.405–6.]—made it clear that this study will consider the best way to carry out the adminstrative functions necessary to support the family practitioner services, taking account of the potential for using computers. Binder Hamlyn is engaged upon a quite distinct study of the arrangements for forecasting and control of expenditure on the services provided by family practitioners. Its remit does not cover administration except in so far as its recommendations may have administrative implications. The Binder Hamlyn study is expected to cost about £80,000. It is not possible to give a figure for the cost of the second study before tenders have been received.