HC Deb 25 January 1996 vol 270 cc371-2W
Mr. Kilfoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) by how much the total budget of the North Mersey Community Health Trust has been reduced as a result of his efficiency scrutiny; [10713]

(2) what plans he has to maintain the present efficiency scrutiny arrangements into 1996–97, and beyond. [10711]

Mr. Malone

The efficiency scrutiny into the burdens of paperwork in national health service trusts and health authorities will complete its report within 90 working days. There are no plans at present to extend its remit beyond the end of March 1996. The efficiency scrutiny team will report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, and the Prime Minister's efficiency adviser, Sir Peter Levene, with recommendations for implementations within two years.

The aim of the efficiency scrutiny is to make proposals to cut down on unnecessary bureaucracy in the NHS so that more time and effort can be devoted to patient care. It is not within the terms of reference of the scrutiny to reduce the total budget of any particular trust. Copies of the terms of reference will be placed in the Library.