HC Deb 17 December 1979 vol 976 cc88-9W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list those recommendations of the Royal Commission on the National Health Service which have been implemented or rejected; and which are still under consideration.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

The Government have published the consultative document "Patients First", proposing changes in the structure and management of the NHS, which covers some recommendations in the report of the Royal Commission on the NHS; and it rejects three recommendations: No. 93, proposing an inquiry into the health service problems of London; No. 102, proposing the transfer of accountability to Parliament for the delivery of services to regional health authorities; and, No. 110, proposing the abolition of family practitioner committees. Other recommendations in the report are currently being studied by the Health Departments through the ordinary machinery and consultation will take place on them as appropriate. I have previously made it clear that those with significant resource implications must await the availability of increased funds to the National Health Service.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how the figure of 10 per cent. savings in management costs as stated in the consultative paper "Patients First" was arrived at; and how many jobs will be lost as a result of the changes proposed in the consultative paper "Patients First".

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

As "Patients First" makes clear, the Government expect significant savings to be achieved from their proposals for the abolition of an administrative tier, changes in management arrangements and a drive for greater efficiency generally. The Government judge a reduction of around 10 per cent. to be realistic in all the circumstances. As "Patients First" does not propose a rigid pattern, but emphasises the need for local solutions within general policies, at this stage it is not possible to make a meaningful estimate of the number of jobs likely to be lost.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in which regions he intends to carry out his proposed experiment as outlined in the consultative paper "Patients First" on monitoring the quality and efficiency of the ways in which health services are managed.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

This will be decided after the consultation period ends.