§ Mr. Crawshawasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the cost, in absolute and percentage terms, of administrative services in the central and southern district of the Liverpool Area Health Authority (Teaching) in 1970 and 1976; and what funds he estimates would have been available in 1976 for patient care had the administrative costs for that year remained at the same percentage as in 1970.
§ Mr. MoyleThe Liverpool Central and Southern Health District did not exist as an administrative entity before 1st April622W 1974. I regret, therefore, that this comparison cannot be made.
My right hon. Friend and I are concerned to obtain value for money over the whole range of the NHS, including administration. My right hon. Friend has recently agreed with the chairmen of regional health authorities an objective of savings in management costs nationally of some 5 per cent. over the next three years, so that some £11 million a year can be switched to patient care.