HC Deb 11 February 1986 vol 91 cc439-40W
Mr. Hancock

asked the Secretary of State for Social Service what population figures are used by health authorities for their budgeting and planning.

Mr. Whitney

Regional health authorities are supplied by the Department with figures from the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys giving mid-year population estimates and projections for each of their districts. It is, however, for regional and district health authorities themselves to decide what use to make of this and other available data in discharging their budgeting and planning responsibilities. Comprehensive information on their use of such data is not collected centrally.

Mr. Hancock

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what population figures are used for planning and budgetary purposes for the Portsmouth and South-East Hampshire health authority.

Mr. Whitney

I am sorry that this information is not available centrally. The hon. Member may like to obtain it from the chairman of the Wessex regional health authority.