HC Deb 01 February 1984 vol 53 cc259-60W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what formula is used to calculate charges to (a) hospital inpatients and (b) persons sponsored by a health authority in a residential or nursing home who are paid for work done by them while being in care; what is the maximum sum currently recoverable; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I assume that the right hon. Member is referring to the recovery of maintenance costs from patients living in hospitals or other NHS accommodation who are going out to paid employment. The formula for calculating such charges is explained fully in the Department's health notice (81)29, issued to health authorities in October 1981. A copy is in the Library of the House. The maximum amount currently recoverable by a health authority is £59 per week.