HC Deb 23 January 1984 vol 52 cc445-6W
Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the underutilisation of financial resources at the end of the current financial year as a result of his proposed cuts in manpower.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Our Department's monitoring of health regions' expenditure indicates that the pattern of expenditure in 1983–84 has not been significantly affected by the manpower targets that have been agreed with the chairmen of regional health authorities. I expect that authorities will achieve their targets and so save £40 million or thereabouts, compared with their earlier plans, that can be devoted to other expenditure to improve patient care. However, regional health authorities are able to carry forward to the next financial year underspendings of up to 1 per cent. of their revenue allocations and of up to 10 per cent. of their capital allocations. I hope that no authority would wish to hire additional staff or engage in any other unnecessary expenditure just to avoid underspending in the current financial year.

Mr. Litherland

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make available information on the increased staff time which administrative and clerical staff have had to devote to responding to Government initiatives such as charges for overseas visitors, the regional review mechanism, analysing and implementing performance indicators and preparing a response to the Government circular on privatisation.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

No such information is available to me, but any time devoted efficiently by managers locally on the tasks described will have been time well spent for the benefit of the NHS and its patients.

Mr. Litherland

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research has been undertaken by his Department to establish that the level of efficiency of the administrative staffs in the National Health Service could be improved, particularly in comparison with efficiency levels overseas and with the private sector of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I do not regard this as a suitable subject for research. All organisations, including health authorities, have a continuing responsibility to ensure that all their operations are conducted efficiently.