§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what are his estimates of the extra numbers of accountants required to carry out the new auditing systems proposed in the White Paper "Working for Patients"; and whether these will be funded from existing funds or from an additional special fund.
§ Mr. MellorWe expect that staff currently auditing the NHS will transfer to the Audit Commission, as proposed in "Working for Patients". Additional funding has been agreed for this financial year for 22 staff with expertise in various aspects of value for money auditing and for five trainees for general audit work. Future staffing and funding needs are being considered.
§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether any extra consultant posts will be created as a result of consultants' additional duties in carrying out auditing work following National Health Service reforms.
§ Mr. MellorThe commitment to medical audit in the White Paper will involve some use of consultants' time. Out of the extra £32 million given to assist in the implementation of the Government proposals for the Health Service this year, an additional £2 million has been allocated to assist in the development of medical audit.
§ Mr. AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what training will be available to general practitioners on budget management as proposed in his White Paper.
§ Mr. MellorI refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend for Northampton, South (Mr. Morris) on 8 May at columns319–20.