§ 27. Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission if he will make a statement about the level of funding made available to the National Audit Office to investigate the work of NHS trusts in 1993–94.
§ Sir Peter Hordern (Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission)I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave him on 21 February at column 13.
§ Mr. HughesMay I take the matter a bit further? Given the large number of NHS trusts, investigation is sometimes needed in time to influence the results of a decision. Will the right hon. Gentleman examine whether funds are available not just to carry out the investigation but to do so quickly, which is what is needed in the case of Philip Harris house at Guy's hospital? If it is not used for the intended purpose, it will be a complete waste of £150 million of taxpayers' money.
§ Sir Peter HordernOn the general point, the hon. Gentleman knows that hospital trusts are being investigated by the Comptroller and Auditor General and the report is expected in the autumn. On the particular point that he raises, the Comptroller and Auditor General is shortly to reply to his letter and I hope that the response will arrive soon.