§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the estimated increases in(a) personnel and (b) finance to implement the proposals in the White Paper "Working for Patients," for the years 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythAn additional £3.95 million has been allocated to the NHS in Scotland for 1989–90 to assist in the early stages of implementing the White Paper proposals. For 1990–91, my right hon. and learned Friend announced on 6 December that the provision for spending on health in Scotland is planned to increase by £220 million over the current year. This will bring the provision to over £3 billion (£3,041 million) for the first time. By 1992–93, total health expenditure will be fully £500 million higher than in the current year. In accordance with normal practice, allocations to health boards for 1990–91—including recognition of White Paper initiatives—will be determined and notified to boards in the early part of next year. It will be for boards to decide on their personnel requirements in the light of local circumstances. We fully expect that the initial extra costs will be outweighed in the longer term by improvements in the operation of services and the better management of resources.
§ Mr. Robin CookTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the key aspects of health authorities' environmental policy and practices which he monitors.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythIn Scotland the lead responsibility for environmental matters rests with the departments of environmental health of district and islands councils.
Health boards are responsible for monitoring their own environmental health policies and practices and for issuing medical advice as necessary. There are regular meetings between representatives of local authorities, health boards and the Scottish Office to discuss environmental health issues.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many students will be enrolled at colleges under his budgetary control in the years 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93;
(2) what are the projected student numbers for all the Scottish central institutions in the years 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93.
§ Mr. LangThe projected student numbers at the colleges in receipt of grant-in-aid will be set out in the Scottish commentary on public expenditure to 1992–93, which will he published in the new year.
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§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the existing and projected academic staff numbers for all the Scottish central institutions in the years 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93.
§ Mr. LangThe results of the 1989 census of academic staff in colleges of further and higher education in Scotland are not yet available. Projections of academic staff numbers are not made centrally.