§ 22. Mr. Michael Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the percentage increase in revenue allocation for the east Anglian regional health authority and the Oxford regional health authority for 1982–83 compared to the percentage of population increase for each authority area.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe revenue resources allocated to the east Anglian and Oxford regional health authorities for 1982–83—the year now current—allowed scope for growth in services of 2.6 per cent. and 1.6 per cent., respectively. The annual rate of population increase in both regions at just under 1 per cent. is considerably higher than the national average. The provision for growth in services in the two regions reflects their different starting positions, as the east Anglian authority is comparatively underfunded when factors other than population growth are taken into account.