§ Mr. Robin CookTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what level of expenditure on information technology he estimates will be necessary to implement the proposals in "Working for Patients"; and what provision has been made in public spending plans to meet this expenditure.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe NHS needs to invest in modern management. The precise level of the investment required in information technology will depend on the outcome of our discussions with those concerned about 667W the detailed implementation of the White Paper's proposals, and, where appropriate, on the outcome of any trials of new systems. The cost will not be met at the expense of plans for patient provision.