§ Mr. HawksleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the work of the Audit Commission in respect of the national health service.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 extended the remit of the Audit Commission to include the external audit of health bodies. This encompasses the audit of financial regularity and studies aimed at improving the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which services are provided. The work of the commission is described more fully in its annual report, copies of which are available in the Library.