HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES TRUSTS, NORTHERN IRELAND

HL Deb 02 March 1994 vol 552 cc79-80WA

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, further to their written reply of 15 February 1994 (H. L. Deb., col. WA16), they have calculated the cost of salaries for chairmen and members of Health and Social Services Trusts in Northern Ireland, together with expenses for premises, administration and clerical help; if so, what are the estimated additional total annual costs; and if not, why not.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Baroness Denton of Wakefield)

The Answer of 15 February 1994 was specifically related to the Question about additional administrative costs associated with the Health and Personal Social Services (NI) Order 1994. That order allows a range of functions to be delegated to trusts but it does not contain any provisions relating to the establishment of trusts or trust boards. For the reasons given in my previous Answer, there are no additional administrative costs associated with the 1994 order.

The provisions relating to the establishment of HSS trusts in Northern Ireland are contained in Article 10(1) of the Health and Personal Social Services (NI) Order 1991. To date,13 health and social services trusts have been approved under that legislation, all of which will be operational by 1 April this year. The total annual remuneration of the chairmen and the non-executive members involved in those trusts is estimated at £ 538,635.

Details for expenses of premises and clerical and administrative support are not held centrally or identified separately by trusts. I understand, however, that the costs are minimal because of the part-time nature of non-executive posts and the fact that they tend to rely on existing resources.

HSS trusts are a key element in the new health and personal social services. They are already delivering and will continue to deliver significant benefits to patients and clients. Managing the delivery of health and social care at local level will allow health and social services boards to streamline their operations as they concentrate on their purchasing role.