§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to advise all health authorities and trusts to review the costs of producing, publishing, printing and distributing reports in order to maximise the proportion of funds spent on direct health care.
§ Dr. MawhinneyCommunications about the services being purchased on behalf of patients and the way they are864W provided are an essential part of serving the public. National Health Service trusts are required to publish, as a minimum, an annual report, annual accounts, a summary business plan and a strategic direction document; health authorities are required to provide a range of information as part of their public accountability. We expect them to make the best, most cost-effective use of their resources.