§ 38. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Health the estimated requirements of the South-West Regional Hospital Board for 1955–56; what reductions he has made in these estimates; what were the reasons for these reductions; and what proportion of them applies to the Bristol area.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe board's forecast of its requirements for 1955–56 totalled £17,216,990. The amount allocated to the board is £16,791,000, including £193,000 to cover expenditure arising subsequent to the submission of the forecast, and represented what seemed to me to be the board's fair share of the total available for the hospital services. The proportion to be allocated to the Bristol area is a matter within the board's own discretion.
§ Mr. AwberyIs it not a fact that the local committees are asked to estimate before they are fully conversant with the circumstances? Is it not also a fact that the right hon. Gentleman's Department always cut down the estimates made by 610 local authorities? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the practice of his Department in cutting down is only inviting local authorities to ask for more than they require?
§ Mr. MacleodFrom the beginning of the service it has probably been true that the estimates submitted have been reduced by the different Ministers who have been responsible. But, as I am sure the hon. Gentleman knows, the amount available for the National Health Service this year is no less than £25 million more than the amount given for last year.