§ 11. Dr. Marekasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the current level of resources devoted to the National Health Service in Wales, and in Pembrokeshire in particular.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonThe latest estimate of expenditure on the National Health Service in Wales in the financial year 1985–86 is £911.8 million. Funds totalling almost £17 million are available to Pembrokeshire health authority for current and capital expenditure in 1985–86. In addition, the authority has received a loan of £418,000 to institute an energy saving scheme at Withybush hospital.
§ Dr. MarekIs the Minister aware that I have received representations from all parts of the Principality complaining about cuts and the unacceptable level of service in the NHS in Wales? When he replies, will he not give misleading, irrelevant and tendentious statistics purporting to show that there has been real growth in the NHS, when the truth is that there have been unacceptable cuts, that wards and hospitals have closed and that some vital health services are not available to the people of Wales? May I ask the Minister this one question—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. In fairness to others—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I think that is unfair, because I hope to call others.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Only one question at a time.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Not even very briefly.
§ Mr. RobinsonI remind the hon. Gentleman that I said a few minutes ago that overall expenditure on the NHS in Wales had increased by 21.25 per cent. The Government have presided over the biggest hospital building programme in Welsh history.
§ Mr. JohnDoes the Minister agree that the reason why Mid Glamorgan health authority has proposed the closure of hospitals, including Pontypridd district hospital, is that the formula for revenue does not reflect the morbidity rates and social deprivation of Mid Glamorgan? The Attorney-General has given a moving account of the National Health Service at St. George's hospital. Will the Minister ensure that my constituents have as good a chance of decent hospital services as those who attend St. George's hospital?
§ Mr. RobinsonThe hon. Gentleman will be aware of the formula upon which we calculate the allocations for health authorities. A change in the formula would benefit some health authorities but be to the disadvantage of others.