I propose to take Questions Nos. 59, 115 and 135 together.
An interdepartmental working group is at present examining the whole area of medical indemnity including alternative methods of providing indemnity. Consultants employed in the public health service are presently reimbursed between 80 per cent-90 per cent of their medical indemnity fees. However, indemnity fees for consultants employed solely in private practice is a matter for those consultants.
A self-insurance or State indemnity scheme is one of the alternatives which has been considered by the group. However, the group is presently finalising its report and I would prefer to make no further comment on the merits of any one particular proposal until the group has reported.
The approximate annual cost of refunds of medical defence premia to my Department for the years 1987 to 1991 was £0.49 million, £0.86 million, £2.8 million, £4 million and £9 million, respectively. The estimated cost in 1992 is £14 million.