Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 19 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 November 2004. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 11 November 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many forms that are included in central returns of information and statistics to (a) his Department and (b) his Department's arms length bodies are required from NHS organisations in each year. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many forms that are included in central returns of information and statistics to (a) his Department and (b) his Department's arm's length bodies are required from NHS organisations in each year. [193410] Miss Melanie Johnson: Information on the number of forms included in central returns is not available centrally for the Department or its arm's length bodies. The overall number of central returns and changes to the burden these impose on the national health service is strictly controlled. At the end of 2003-04 there were 127 ongoing central returns, and this number will be reduced by at least 20 per cent., by the end of 2004-05.

Secondary information