§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what procedures will be placed upon NHS trust private activities to ensure(a) that the income they generate is used for the benefit of the NHS and (b) that they do not interfere with the provision of health services to the community; [11141]
(2) by what means his Department monitors compliance with directions to NHS trusts in respect of the limits on their private activities; and what steps are taken in the event of non-compliance. [11142]
§ Mr. MilburnProcedures are already in place. The National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 states that private practice must not interfere with the performance by a trust of any of its obligations under NHS contracts. Health authorities and general practitioner fundholders, backed up by regional offices of the Department, monitor the performance of trusts against contracts. Trusts are required to recover the costs of their private patient activity including an appropriate return on capital employed. Memorandum trading accounts are prepared and audited. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State retains powers to give directions to a trust about the exercise of their powers to provide accommodation or services to private patients and the trust has a duty to comply.