HC Deb 13 March 2001 vol 364 cc593-4W
Mr. Harvey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the annual cost is of(a) administering the collection of health charges, including anti-fraud measures and (b) administering the health benefit scheme. [153065]

Ms Stuart

The cost of administering the collection of health charges in England, including anti-fraud measures, forms part of the running costs of the National Health Service and is not identified separately.

The direct cost of administering the NHS low income scheme in England is expected to be around £3.97 million for 2000–01.