§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health authorities and health trusts have failed to meet their efficiency index targets in each of the last two years. [10413]
§ Mr. MilburnIn 1995–96,27 district health authorities did not meet their planned efficiency index gains. It is estimated that 49 health authorities did not meet their targets for 1996–97. Trusts are not set efficiency targets in the same way as health authorities. Health authorities and general practitioner fundholders may negotiate efficiency savings with hospitals, but information on these is not held at national level.