§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the hospital repairs backlog is; and what his estimate is of the cost of eliminating it. [46110]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 25 March 2002]: The NHS Plan made clear our objectives of improving the patient environment and announces further significant investment in the national health service estate.
The currently available figure (2000–01) for the total backlog maintenance cost to bring NHS Trust property in England up to an acceptable condition is £3.16 billion.
The cost required to eliminate this backlog depends on a number of factors, including the extent to which major capital investment and disposals of property impact upon the amount of additional capital required. Since investment plans are currently under review it is not possible to provide a cost for the elimination of backlog costs at this point in time.