§ 44. Colonel Ropnerasked the Minister of Health if, with a view to stimulating efficiency and economy in the hospital services, he is preparing a detailed analysis of hospital costs under the National Health Service.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopYes, Sir. A uniform system for analysing hospital costs in some detail has been introduced for the first time this year and will relate to the year 1950–51 as a whole.
§ Colonel RopnerWill the return be in the same form as that issued by the Department of Health for Scotland, which is a valuable contribution to knowledge of costs in hospitals?
§ Mr. BlenkinsopBroadly, it is on a similar basis. We are still discussing with the Treasury the best way in which this information can be made available to the House and the public at a suitable time.
§ Mr. SorensenCan my hon. Friend say whether these figures will show details of comparative costs between one hospital and another?
§ Mr. BlenkinsopThat would be very difficult as anyone who knows anything about the subject will agree. It is difficult to secure any fair comparison between one hospital and another. The House had better wait until we are able to publish the details.