§ Mr. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what review has been made of the gathering of information on medical accidents; if he will regularly publish statistics about the incidence of claims and settlements or awards achieved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellNo review has been made of the gathering of information on medical accidents. When the health authority indemnity for medical negligence was introduced on 1 January 1990, the Department asked health authorities for an annual return of the number of claims of medical negligence, the number of such cases settled, and the total cost of the settlements reached or awards made. The returns for the period to 31 March 1990 are now being received. No decision has been taken on publishing any statistics.