§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, further to his answers to the hon. Member for Londonderry, East of 19 February,Official Report, column 569, what steps he is taking to ensure that the Northern health and social services board is aware of the standards required by the Government for the option appraisal; and if he will outline the options being considered in the option appraisal.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 27 February 1990]: The standards required by the Government for option appraisal are set out in the HM Treasury publication "Investment Appraisal in the Public Sector" and the Department of Health publication "Investment Appraisal—A Guide for the National Health Service". Both documents have been issued to health and social services boards. The identification of options is part of the appraisal process and these should include all feasible ways of providing the required level and quality of services to patients.