Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Mark Simmonds (Conservative). It was answered on Tuesday, 23 February 2010 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Overseas Patients (Costs)

Question: I must press the Minister further on her response to my hon. Friend the Member for Wellingborough (Mr. Bone). Despite considerable immigration into the UK in the past decade or so and according to Government figures, the amount that the UK is claiming against EU member states is less than 10 per cent. of the net UK payment to member states. Is she confident that these figures are comprehensive and complete? Could she explain why the Government are failing to reclaim 20 per cent. of the taxpayer's money owed by these countries?

Answer: There is no failure to claim. [Interruption.] Because I am not that well qualified as an accountancy adviser. Accounts are resource based, and if we look at those accounts—they are being referred to—we find that they do include money or claims yet to be received. I hope that the House will also be interested to learn that we have recently negotiated a deal with the Irish Government to reduce the UK liability by some €87 million over three years, and we will be reviewing our agreement in order to provide further savings. I hope that the House will welcome that progress.

Secondary information