HC Deb 09 March 1999 vol 327 cc203-4W
Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which health authorities are(a) paid and (b) compensated by the Ministry of Defence in respect of military district hospital units at (a) Derriford, (b) Frimley and (c) Peterborough; and how much such payments were in each year for which figures are available. [75210]

Mr. Denham

[holding answer 8 March 1999]: It is assumed the hon. Member is referring to Ministry of Defence Hospital Units (MDHUs). These are integrated into National Health Service hospitals and the Defence Medical Services provide medical, nursing and other staffing. There are no direct financial transactions between the Ministry of Defence and health authorities in respect of Ministry of Defence Hospital Units.

Those National Health Service trusts which host MDHUs are paid for the treatment of military personnel, abated to reflect the contribution of military personnel to the treatment of civilians.

Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total capital expenditure for setting up military district hospital units; and from which Departmental budget this was paid. [75211]

Mr. Denham

[holding answer 8 March 1999]: It is assumed that the question refers to Ministry of Defence Hospital Units (MDHUs).

The Ministry of Defence contributes to the capital cost of establishing MDHUs. The amount they contribute is negotiated on a scheme by scheme basis. The Ministry of Defence contributed a total of £7.2 million to the capital cost of establishing MDHUs at Plymouth Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Frimley Park Hospital NHS Trust, and Peterborough Hospitals NHS Trust. The total capital expenditure spent on setting up the MDHUs is a local matter for the NHS trusts concerned. The information is not held centrally.