§ 26. Mr. Evennettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is able to estimate the financial gains to the National Health Service of changes in estate management in the National Health Service.
§ Mr. John PattenHealth circular (83)22, which contained Ministers' response to the recommendations of the report of the inquiry into surplus and underused land in the NHS, requires health authorities to undertake a programme of tasks leading to a rationalisation of the estate which is fully integrated with service planning needs. Sales of surplus NHS land totalled £31.5 million in 1983–84. It is expected that this figure will be matched and exceeded in subsequent years and that substantial revenue savings will also be achieved. More precise estimates are not available at this stage. This exercise is being given greater impetus by the recent appointment of Mr. D. N. Idris Pearce as part-time property adviser to the NHS management board.