25. Major Lloydasked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that there is ample information available to the medical staff on the costing of various aspects of hospital work and treatment.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodNot yet, Sir. The development of detailed costing throughout the hospital service is necessarily gradual, but progress is being made.
Major LloydWill my right hon. Friend take this matter up as one of very considerable urgency in view of the admission in the answer and the very considerable variation in practice in hospitals throughout the country, which is costing a great deal more than it should?
§ Mr. MacleodMy hon. and gallant Friend will no doubt have seen that fairly comprehensive costing statements were published last week. That makes a good start. In addition, the Nuffield Trust and the King Edward Fund are carrying out a detailed investigation the results of which will be available soon and which, I hope, will be of great assistance.