asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many inquiries have been authorised in relation to medical services under section 84 of the National Health Service Act 1977 since that Act came into force.

The powers in section 84 of the National Health Service Act 1977, formerly section 70 of the National Health Service Act 1946, have been used on seventeen occasions in all and twice since the 1977 Act came into force. Seven of these, including one since 1977, have involved some review of medical as well as other services.