HC Deb 21 January 1997 vol 288 cc723-4
1. Mr. Tipping

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what level of capitation funding the Nottingham health authority will receive in 1997–98. [10356]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Mr. John Horam)

In 1997–98, Nottingham health authority will receive an integrated allocation of £285.6 million—a cash increase over this year of £12.1 million.

Mr. Tipping

Will the Minister confirm that, under the capitation formula, Nottingham will next year receive a growth in funding of 0.34 per cent. over this year? Given that fact, will it not take another seven years for it to reach 100 per cent. formula funding? The Queen's medical centre has not carried out non-urgent operations since November. Should not Nottingham people and Nottingham health services receive a fair share of the cake?

Mr. Horam

I hear what the hon. Gentleman says, but I note that Sir David White, the chairman of Nottingham health authority, said that Nottingham's funding in the next year is in line with that authority's proposals for development, and that Due to a better than expected national settlement for the NHS and the case put forward by the authority … I am happy to say that the prospects for the development of our local services—and the maintenance of excellence—looks more certain for next year. While I understand what the hon. Gentleman says, we can offer him much faster progress in seven years. The hon. Gentleman should be worrying about the Labour Government after the next general election. Will they be able to maintain the progress that we have made in the past 18 years?

Sir Jim Lester

Does my hon. Friend understand that those of us who seek the return of a Conservative Government recognise that both parties acknowledge that Nottingham needs the additional money? The settlement is a step in the right direction, but it is only one step and we want considerably more money, year on year, to restore us to the correct position of parity with other similar teaching areas.

Mr. Horam

As I said in reply to the hon. Member for Sherwood (Mr. Tipping), he has got a far better deal out of this Government than he will ever get out of a Labour Government. Progress was made last year and this year, and will be made next year—if a Conservative Government are re-elected, funding for health authorities will ensure that progress is made in every year to come. I am sure that my hon. Friend looks forward to the re-election of a Conservative Government.

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