Written question asked by Frank Dobson (Labour) on Thursday, 6 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 2003. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Monday, 24 February 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the total debt of private patients to NHS hospitals was in 2001-02 in (a) London and (b) England. - Inc fact that Department does not hold information centrally. (Holding answer 12 February 2003).

Answer: Mr. Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total debt of private patients to NHS hospitals was in 2001-02 in (a) London and (b) England. [97259] Mr. Lammy: [holding answer 12 February 2003]: National health service hospitals are encouraged to obtain deposits from private patients to lessen the risk that charges for treatment cannot be fully recovered. The Department does not hold information centrally about the debt of private patients to NHS hospitals.

Secondary information