asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether Forms CRU100 (Certificates of Recoverable Benefits) issued to commercial insurers by the compensation recovery unit of the Benefits Agency prior to 5 April 1999 preclude the recovery of NHS fees, where these have been incurred, under the terms of the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Act 1999. [HL3538]
The Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Act 1999 came into effect on 5 April 1999. Any relevant payment of compensation made on or after that date will attract National Health Service charges irrespective of any benefit recovery which may have been in progress. Legislation does not allow for joint certificates to be issued. The two recoveries will always be notified on separate certificates.
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether National Health Service trusts and commercial insurers are experiencing any difficulties with the interpretation and operation of the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Act 1999 in the context of their dealings with the compensation recovery unit of the Benefits Agency. [HL3537]
Both National Health Service trusts and commercial insurers have received written guidance on the operation of the new system introduced on 5 April 1999. Those involved are also able to access guidance through telephone inquiries. We are not aware of any major difficulties having arisen.
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the compensation recovery unit of the Benefits Agency has a complement of staff sufficient to meet its full responsibilities under the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Act 1999; and whether all such staff have been fully trained to operate the system for recovering charges on behalf of National Health Service Trusts. [HL3536]
The compensation recovery unit has confirmed that it has sufficient staff in post who are fully trained to enable them to undertake recovery of National Health Service charges.
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the computer system commissioned for use by the compensation recovery unit of the Benefits Agency under the remit conferred by the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Act 1999 is fully operational; and, if so, on what date it was deemed to be so. [HL3535]
A new computer system supporting not only the collection of National Health Service charges following road traffic accidents but also the system of recovery of state benefits at the compensation recovery unit was brought into operation on 6 April 1999. It is operational but not yet at full capacity.
asked Her Majesty's Government:How many payments to National Health Service trusts were made by the compensation recovery unit of the Benefits Agency under the terms of the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Act 1999 during the three months to 30 June; and what was the aggregate value of those payments. [HL3534]
The Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Act 1999 came into operation on 5 April 1999. Payments to National Health Service trusts under the new scheme for central collection of NHS charges following road traffic accidents will be made monthly in arrears. NHS trusts have been advised that first payments will be made at the end of July 1999.