§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she is taking to ensure value for money from investment in the computerisation of the NHS.
§ Mr. SackvilleA national health service strategy for information management and technology was launched on 10 December. It included: new criteria for approving all substantial IT investments. Investments of £1 million or more will be scrutinised by the management executive and not approved unless the criteria are met; new procurement procedures to secure compliance with national standards to ensure compatibility of systems across the whole NHS; and a requirement for general practitioner systems to comply with national requirements as a condition of the GP systems reimbursement scheme.