Written question asked by Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 July 1997. It was answered by Alan Milburn (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 July 1997 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: What estimate he has made of the incidence of NHS trusts and health authorities rearranging their provisions for medical negligence in seeking to meet the costs of closing deficits by the end of the current financial year; and what restrictions he intends to introduce.

Answer: Mr. Campbell-Savours: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the incidence of NHS trusts and health authorities rearranging their provisions for medical negligence in seeking to meet the costs of closing deficits by the end of the current financial year; and what restrictions he intends to introduce. [11136] Mr. Milburn: No such estimate has been made. National health service trusts and health authorities are expected to make provision in their annual accounts for clinical negligence claims in accordance with directions issued by the Secretary of State. NHS trusts and health authorities in managing their finances should plan for future settlement of claims and ensure that funds are in place for this purpose.

Secondary information