Written question asked by Teddy Taylor (Conservative) on Wednesday, 8 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 September 2004. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 September 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what percentage of staff in the National Health Service is engaged in administration; and what the percentage was 10 years ago. (Failed OPQ). - Inc figures.

Answer: Sir Teddy Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of staff in the national health service is engaged in administration; and what the percentage was 10 years ago. [188523] Mr. Hutton: Current non-medical workforce figures are not directly comparable with pre-1995 figures. As at September 2003, 19 per cent. of the total NHS workforce were managers and clerical and administrative staff compared with 17 per cent. in 1995. Many administrative and clerical staff work directly to health professionals freeing them up to do their job, such as health care support workers and medical secretaries.

Secondary information