§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total cost of administration in hospitals in 1991, 1992 and 1993; and what is the forecast for 1994.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 29 April 1994]: In 1991–92 and 1992–93 hospital services administration costs were £173,769,000 and £204,885,000 respectively. The figures for 1993–94 are not yet available. It is not possible to forecast the figures for 1993–94 or 1994–95 as no data are held centrally.
Two factors have largely contributed to the increase shown. As part of the NHS reforms, Scottish health boards have devolved many of their functions to directly managed units and NHS trusts. The figures also include an increasing number of senior nurses and clinicians who have transferred to the general/senior managers' pay scales.