§ Mr. LoydenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health economics consortia have been set up in the United Kingdom; what capital the Government have allocated to these units; what is their remit and to whom they are accountable; and how many district health authorities, or other public bodies, have commissioned reports on service provision from these units. [10354]
§ Mr. Horam[holding answer 22 January 1996]: Health economics consortia are independent, self-financing bodies which provide economic advice and analysis to the NHS on a consultancy basis. It is for health authorities to consider what information they require to support their strategic objective of maximising the health benefits of their local populations and how best to obtain it. No information on the use of health economics consortia is held centrally.