HC Deb 04 July 1984 vol 63 cc207-8W
Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether changes have been made in the procedures for recording information on costs incurred by private patients following the discovery of losses to Greenwich and Bexley area health authority in 1982.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Following the departmental audit report for 1982–83 on Bexley district health authority, which criticised the unsatisfactory system then in use for the recording and collection of private patients' fees, a new system was drawn up by the authority and is now in operation.

Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received concerning private patients' payment procedures within the National Health Service.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

None.

Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with current procedures for ensuring that all private patients using the National Health Service are fully billed by health authorities.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 9 May at column399.

Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many health authorities have set up inquiries into arrangements for the identification of private patients in each of the last three years.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We do not collect this information centrally.