The number of NHS hospital managers rose by more than 3,000 in just three years, according to figures released on Thursday.

The Conservatives claim that the 13% rise was a sign of mismanagement by ministers.

Figures for the same period show hospital activity - a measure of how much work the NHS is doing - rose by just 1.6%.

However, the government insists that it is simply that more staff have been given managerial responsibilities.

Health spending rose by more than a fifth between 1999 and 2001.

During this period, the number of hospital managers rose by 3,130.

The information was revealed in a written answer to a Parliamentary question.

Activity levels

Official government statistics show that during the three years, hospital admissions fell by 0.5% and activity levels rose only slightly.

Dr Liam Fox, Shadow Secretary of State for Health, said: "These figures tell us all we need to know about New Labour's tax and spend policy.

"Virtually the only difference which the government's vast increases in health spending has made is a staggering growth in the number of bureaucrats over the last two years.

"Despite this policy disaster, the government is determined to raise taxation and increase government expenditure yet further."

However, a Department of Health spokeswoman said that the rise in managers was "a good thing".

"The total number of NHS staff who have a management role has increased.

"It means more people have power to make decisions.

"In fact the total amount of money we spend on management is falling as a proportion of health spending."

In 1998/1999, she said, approximately 5% of the budget went on management costs - in 2000/01 this fell to 4.2%.

At the same time, she said the number of NHS beds was increasing.