§ Mr. FavellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his answer to the hon. member for Stockport of 11 May,Official Report, columns 183–84, what steps he proposes to take to assess whether the factors he there sets out fully account for the disparities in administrative and clerical costs as between district health authorities; what steps he proposes to take to reduce such costs in all district health authorities to the levels achieved in those districts with the most efficient performance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonThere are many factors which influence the level of administrative and clerical staffing. Only detailed scrutiny of each individual district can establish whether differences are justified or not. This is the job of NHS management but we have sought to help in two specific respects.
As part of the performance indicator package, DHAs and RHAs have been asked to undertake analyses of the past four years' indicators. These analyses, combined with local information, will form a basis for commentary to be presented to authority members and to be made available to local MPs and community health council members. This commentary should highlight changes over time and identify those main areas requiring further investigation.
In addition, we will shortly publish a report of a review of administrative and clerical staff which commends to health authorities ways of monitoring the numbers of such staff and makes suggestions for potential improvements in performance.