HL Deb 27 May 2004 vol 661 cc155-6WA
Baroness Noakes

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will publish their new measures of National Health Service cost efficiency growth, as set out in paragraph 7.99 of the Department of Health's Departmental Report 2004; and [HL2678]

What consultation they intend to undertake in relation to any changes in the measurement of National Health Service cost efficiency. [HL2679]

Lord Warner

In December 2003, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced the Atkinson review of measurement of government output. Undertaken by Sir Tony Atkinson, the review is to advance methodologies for the measurement of government output, productivity and associated price indices.

The Department of Health is working with the ONS, as part of the Atkinson review, to develop new measures of National Health Service productivity. The results of this work will be published as part of the Atkinson review of measurement of government output.

The Department has already consulted with both the NHS and a number of prominent academics regarding new productivity measures. In addition Sir Tony Atkinson is consulting with stakeholders before writing his interim report in July 2004.