§ 14. Mr. Favellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many reports from the first group of Rayner type scrutinies have been published; and what further action he is planning.
§ Mr. John PattenFive reports of Rayner type scrutinies in the NHS have been published and a sixth will be published shortly. A further two are under consideration within the Department and one more is awaited.
The five published scrutinies have all been sent to health authorities, either for consultation or implementation. We will be issuing further advice when we have considered the comments we have called for.
These five scrutinies identify total potential savings of around £57 million a year plus further substantial savings from sale of surplus property. We propose to launch a further round in the new year to build on the excellent work already begun.