§ Mr. HammondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the net number of administrative, clerical and managerial jobs lost in the NHS Executive, Department of Health and health authorities will be, as a result of the reorganisation announced by him on 25 April,(a) within the next 12 months and (b) upon full implementation of the restructuring he has outlined. [159603]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 30 April 2001]: By 2004 control of 75 per cent. of the National Health Service budget will be devolved to frontline staff in primary care trusts and care trusts. The number of health authorities will be cut by around two thirds, and it is expected that around half of the posts currently in regional offices will go. Net savings will be at least £100 million. Precise staffing arrangements will be for local decision. Where possible, job reductions will be achieved by natural turnover.