§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much money has been spent by the West Midlands regional health authority for each year since 1979 to the latest available date on research and development of computer services; and how much money has been specifically offered by the Department to the West Midlands regional health authority to carry out a pilot study on the computerisation of hospital waiting lists.
§ Mr. John PattenInformation on expenditure on research and development of computer services by the West Midlands regional health authority is not collected centrally. My hon. Friend may wish to write to the regional health authority chairman, who may be able to let him have the required information.
The total cost of the pilot study on the computerisation of hospital waiting lists is estimated to be £10,000 capital and £85,000 revenue over three years. For 1984–85, £10,000 capital and £25,000 revenue funding has been approved by the Department to the West Midlands regional health authority. Subject to satisfactory progress, further payments will be approved for subsequent financial years. I understand that the regional health authority is now advertising for the appropriately qualified staff.