NHS: Hinchingbrooke Hospital

Lord Woolmer of Leeds Excerpts

Thursday 10th November 2011 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

They have, my Lords, but the best way of answering the detail of the noble Lord’s question is to say that I will send him as much detail as possible from the contract, which factors in all the matters to which he referred.

[Lord Woolmer of Leeds]

My Lords, the Minister referred to an accumulated deficit. What is that deficit at this point? Will the contract require the new providers to ensure that that accumulated deficit is, over the years, paid off, or is it to be written off at the point at which the new provider takes over?

[Earl Howe]

The accumulated deficit is approximately £39 million; part of the arrangement specifies that Circle will work towards paying off that deficit over the 10 years of the contract.