Written question asked by Archie Norman (Conservative) on Friday, 8 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 26 October 2004. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Tuesday, 26 October 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the total value of outstanding invoices over 90 days old owed by NHS Professionals to private recruitment agencies has been in each quarter since its inception; how many placements for (a) doctors, (b) nurses and (c) corporate staff have been filled by NHS Professionals with (i) NHS Professionals staff and (ii) staff sourced from private recruitment agenices; and what the total value of placements was in each case. - Inc figures and fact that the information is not collected centrally.

Answer: Mr. Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the total value of outstanding invoices over 90 days old owed by NHS Professionals to private recruitment agencies has been in each quarter since its inception; [190486] (2) how many placements for (a) doctors, (b) nurses and (c) corporate staff have been filled by NHS Professionals with (i) NHS Professionals staff and (ii) staff sourced from private recruitment agencies; and what the total value of placements was in each case. [190487] Dr. Ladyman: The information is not collected centrally. NHS Professionals meet the best payment practice in the NHS, which requires at least 95 per cent. of suppliers to be paid within 30 days. NHS Professionals has confirmed that it currently has no invoices for private sector agencies outstanding over 90 days.

Secondary information