To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff are employed under the auspices of partnerships for health and at what cost to the public purse; and if she will make a statement. (96884)

Partnerships for health is a joint venture company established to deliver the national health service (NHS) local improvement finance trust initiative on behalf of the Department. It currently directly employs nine staff, none of whom are direct charges to the public purse. It also funds the cost of one secondee from the NHS.

Partnerships for health charges fees for its services and these fees are the principal source of funds for the cost of the employees.