§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the extent of fraud in the national health service each year since 1979.
§ Mr. SackvilleWe do not collect comprehensive information on the level of fraud against the National Health Service. However, the recent Audit Commission publication, "Ensuring Probity in the NHS", copies of which are available in the Library, reported that proven fraud was small.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what specific actions she has taken against fraud in the national health service since 1989.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe prime responsibility for preventing and detecting fraud lies with the boards and managers of national health service bodies. We have, however, taken a number of national measures including the strengthening of external and internal audit, the creation of audit committees in all NHS bodies, and the issue of guidance on improving internal control in the NHS.