§ Dr. SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was(a) the total price for each contract and the number of patients to be treated and (b) the average cost per consultant episode for district health authority providers outside London and within London for the latest period for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleInformation on the total price of contracts is not available centrally. The average cost per 531W consultant episode is available in the published annual accounts of all national health service providers, both trusts and units directly managed by district health authorities. The cost given by specialty consists only of direct patient care costs and excludes hospital overheads. It therefore cannot be compared directly with contract prices, which include overheads. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairmen of regional health authorities for further information.