§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the cost basis on which treatment or laboratory samples and blood tests are provided for private patients in National Health Service hospitals; what on-cost is made for overheads; and if these include a charge for staff training and replacement equipment.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeCharges for private patients in NHS hospitals for pathology services are based on the total cost of the services divided by the number of pathology requests. The charges include an allowance for on-costs, varying from 28 per cent. to 40 per cent. according to the classification of hospitals under section 65 of the National Health Service Act 1977, representing overhead costs including depreciation on capital for equipment and building and staff training.