HC Deb 03 April 2002 vol 382 cc1045-6W
Mr. Heald

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his estimate is of the outstanding liabilities of the NHS in respect of medical negligence claims. [41703]

Ms Blears

According to the National Audit Office in their report entitled "Handling Clinical Negligence Claims in England", which was published on 3 May 2001, it was estimated that a total of £3.9 billion represents the outstanding liabilities of the NHS for clinical negligence claims.

This figure includes £2.6 billion for all outstanding claims if they were settled straight away, and £1.3 billion for all incidents that have been incurred but not reported.