HC Deb 02 July 1986 vol 100 cc568-9W
31. Mr. MacKenzie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what additional resources he proposes to make available to area health boards for the provision of additional accommodation, beds and nursing care of geriatric patients during the next 12 months.

Mr. Rifkind

For the current year the boards' hospital and community health services resources have been increased by 7.2 per cent. in cash terms compared with 1985–86. In using these funds, boards are expected to give high priority to services for the elderly.

The age structure of the population is one of the factors taken into account in determining the allocation among boards of resources.