To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the saving to the public purse in 2015-16 as a result of the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Treasury.

The long term annual efficiency savings arising from the reforms set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012 are expected to be £1.5 billion in 2015-16 and beyond, as set out in the impact assessment for the Health and Social Care Bill 2011 and confirmed by the Secretary of State for Health, Mr Hunt, in his written statement of 18 July 2013, Official Report, column 125-126WS. These savings in administrative costs will be available for re-investment in front line health services.