§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how the financial allocation to the South-East Thames regional health authority for 1979–80 takes account of overspending in the Lambeth, Southwark and Lewis-ham health authority authorised by him; and what representations he has received on this matter from the regional health authority.
§ Mr. EnnalsAs indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Ravensbourne 717W (Mr. Hunt) on 20 February—[Vol. 963, c. 127.]—I have decided that the estimated overspending by the Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham area health authority (teaching) of its cash limit in the current financial year will not be recovered from the South-East Thames regional health authority or the area health authority in 1979–80. I have received no representations from the regional health authority on this matter. Overspending by the area health authority (teaching) will be recoved in the future from that authority and not from other authorities in the same region. A decision on the mode of recovery in future years cannot yet be taken.