§ Mrs. LaingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much money has been saved from reducing bureaucracy in the NHS in Scotland since 1 May 1997; and what these savings have been spent on. [74540]
§ Mr. GalbraithThe estimated savings from reducing bureaucracy for 1997–98 and 1998–99 are approximately £25 million.
The savings have been generated and retained at individual Health Board level and have been re-invested in patient care in line with local priorities and needs.
From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
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