Mr. Robert G. HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his estimate of the effect of separating purchasers and providers within the national health service in the new contracts system.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe expect the separation of purchasers and providers and the introduction of contracts to bring a new clarity to the management of the National Health Service. As purchasers, district health authorities will be able to concentrate on securing effective and efficient health care for their residents. Our initial concern for 1991–92 is to ensure that the new mechanisms are in place. As the new system develops, we expect contracts to be the means by which purchasing authorities and provider units together will be able to agree improvements in the quality and appropriateness of services offered.