§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that all costs to the National Health Service which relate to private patients in National Health Service hospital beds are being fully recorded.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI am quite satisfied that the NHS recovers the full costs of services provided to private patients in NHS hospitals. The charges currently made are set out in circular HC(82)7. The scale of charges is regularly reviewed each year and currently produces £52 million.
We are currently looking at ways of improving the management of private practice within the National Health Service to ensure that all admissions are recorded and the full costs recovered.
§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what has been the total number of consultants and nurses involved in treating private patients in National Health Service hospitals in England for each year since 1970;
(2) what has been the total number of doctor hours and nurse hours involved in treating private patients in National Health Service hospitals in England for each year since 1970;
(3) what has been the cost of treating private patients in National Health Service hospitals in England for each financial year since 1970–71 in £ sterling and at constant prices.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThis information is not available.