HC Deb 26 January 1999 vol 324 cc208-9W
Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the role and responsibilities of the NHS Litigation Authority. [66580]

Mr. Denham

The National Health Service Litigation Authority (NHSLA) is a special health authority established in November 1995. Its principal task is to administer schemes set up under Section 21 of the NHS and Community Care Act 1990 to allow NHS bodies to pool the cost of injury, loss or damage to property and liabilities to third parties arising from the carrying out of their functions. The NHSLA administers three schemes: a scheme covering liabilities for alleged clinical negligence where the incident occurred after 1 April 1995 (the clinical negligence scheme for NHS trusts); a scheme relating to existing incidents which occurred before that date (the existing liabilities scheme); and a scheme to manage residual clinical negligence liabilities of regional health authorities from 1 April 1996.

From 1 April 1999 the NHSLA will also be responsible for establishing a scheme to provide cover for non-clinical risks.

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the names and remuneration of the members of the NHS Litigation Authority. [66579]

Mr. Denham

The membership of the National Health Service Litigation Authority is as follows.

  • Sir Bruce Martin QC (Chairman);
  • Mr. Steve Walker (Chief Executive);
  • Mr. Ian McQuattie (Director of Finance);
  • Mr. John Speedman (Non-Executive);
  • Mr. R. S. Bradshaw (Non -Executive).

The accounts for 1998 show that the Chairman's remuneration was £19,285 and the chief executive's remuneration was £81,614 (including benefits and pension contributions). Other members received remuneration in the ranges:

  • £0–5,000: 2
  • £5,001–10,000: 0
  • £10,001–20,000: 1

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for Health in how many cases since 2 May 1997 the NHS Litigation Authority has recommended the discontinuance of alternative disputes resolution proceedings; and if he will make a statement. [66582]

Mr. Denham

The National Health Service Litigation Authority has authorised discontinuance on one alternative dispute resolution proceeding since 2 May 1997. I have written to the hon. Member separately on that case. The NHS Litigation Authority actively promotes alternatives to litigation for resolving disputes wherever possible.