§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking to identify and remedy private medicine abuses in the 155 district health authority areas other than the 37 chosen at random where audit reports have already been carried out.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI wrote to all health authority chairmen on 6 December 1984 about the importance of ensuring that arrangements for collecting income due to the National Health Service from private practice, overseas visitors and patients treated after road traffic accidents were operating effectively. All health authorities which were not already reviewing their arrangements were required to do so urgently, to take whatever corrective action might be necessary to conform with the relevant guidance without delay, and to ensure that all sums clue are collected promptly and in full. Regional chairmen were asked to report to me by the end of this month on the adequacy of arrangements in their districts. We are also reviewing our guidance on the management of private practice, with a view to producing a consolidated revision so that all concerned understand What is required.