§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many private auditors will be employed to probe National Health Service spending; what will be the annual cost of this audit; and if he will ensure that essential spending will not be postponed or deferred in consequence.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergSix accountancy firms have been engaged as auditors to eight of the new district health authorities—details were given by my right hon. Friend in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Ludlow (Mr. Cockeram) on 11 March 1982.—[Vol. 19, c.474–75.] Each firm will determine the staffing level it requires.
The fees, inclusive of expenses, to be paid for the audit of the accounts for the year ending 31 March 1983 total £161,380, plus value added tax chargeable thereon. The following year's fees will be increased by an NHS cost-inflation factor.
85WThe audit fees are being borne on the Administration Vote of the Department of Health and Social Security; essential spending on health and personal social services will not be affected.