§ 10. Mr. Flanneryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about the funding of the Trent regional health authority; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieWe have received many representations about the funding of the Trent regional health authority. Trent is one of the regions that has received priority for funds, and I am glad to tell the House that this year—1987–88—it will be receiving £926 million, which represents a very substantial increase indeed.
§ Mr. FlanneryIf one takes the resource allocation working party target as being 100 per cent., which is what it always is, is it not a fact that the Trent regional health authority is the lowest-funded authority in the United Kingdom, and that many regional health authorities in the 139 south receive as much as 12 per cent. more and as much as 8 per cent. above the target? That means that the great city of Sheffield falls below that target of 100 per cent. by at least £6 million. As a result, hospital waiting lists throughout the area, which the Minister herself lives in, are increasing because of under-funding. She should be fighting for more money to help the situation.
§ Mrs. CurrieOn the contrary, the amount of money allocated to Sheffield has increased from £122 million to £153 million, and waiting lists in the area are being tackled very effectively, with a number of new sessions and consultants. I am satisfied that Sheffield is getting what it should get this year and is making very good use of that money.