§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many criminal offences have been (a) created and (b) abolished by his Department since 1997. [55422]
§ Ms BlearsIn relation to countering fraud in the national health service, section 39 of the Health Act 1999 introduced a new specific criminal offence for evasion of NHS charges. The offence attracts a fine, on conviction of up to £2,500. This is the first time that legislation has been introduced to create a criminal offence for people who fail to pay any amount in respect of NHS charges or receive a payment or benefit towards the cost of NHS charges or services to which they are not entitled.
No offences in relation to countering fraud in the NHS have been abolished.