Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has again called on the Welsh Government to answer the many questions people in North Wales have over the multi-million pound fraud investigation at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

It was revealed just days before Christmas that specialist investigators have been called in to the troubled health board after auditors discovered at least £122m was allegedly not properly accounted for.

Issues were first uncovered earlier in 2022 when auditors found a number of "significant errors" in the health board's accounts for the 2021-22 financial year.

They allegedly found there was £72m of unpaid invoices and bills listed in the accounts, but could not find evidence that they existed.

Three weeks ago, Darren called for an opportunity to question to Health Minister in the Welsh Parliament over actions being taken to deal with the alarming situation, and was told by the Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths, “I'm sure that the Minister for Health and Social Services will update us at the most appropriate time, but I do not think that that will be before next month”.

In yesterday’s Business Statement, Darren again raised the matter, emphasising that “There are lots of questions that people in North Wales have and want answers to.”

He said:

“Can I call again for an oral statement on the investigation into the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board concerning the events that gave rise to the qualification of accounts for 2021-22 and the subsequent £122 million counter-fraud investigation, which is now under way?

“There are lots of questions that people in North Wales have and want answers to, including:

- whether this investigation extends beyond the health board?

- when it will be concluded?

- are any prosecutions likely?

- will there be significant financial implications for NHS services in North Wales for our local residents?

- will there be a further qualification of the accounts for this financial year?

- and whether there are also Welsh Government officials that might be implicated in what has happened?

“I think these are fair questions, which we do need some answers to, and it would be helpful if we could have an oral statement that we can ask questions to the Minister about them.”

The Trefnydd replied:

“The questions you ask are very fair and do need a thorough answer. I don't have the answers now. I think it's probably a little bit too early at the moment, but I think at the most appropriate time the Minister for Health and Social Services will do a statement.”

Speaking afterwards, Darren said:

“These shocking revelations were made just days before Christmas. We are now seven weeks on, yet the people of North Wales are still none the wiser about the situation. They deserve to have their questions answered and soon.”  

ENDS