HC Deb 23 May 1989 vol 153 cc481-2W
16. Mr. Yeo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received regarding the level of funding of the National Health Service.

Mr. Freeman

The level of funding for the NHS is a matter of considerable interest, often raised in correspondence and at meetings and visits; since 1979 expenditure has increased by some 40 per cent. in real terms and we are now spending more on the National Health Service than ever before.

62. Mr. McCrindle

To ask the Secretary of State for Health to what extent the additional funds allocated to the National Health Service this year are to be used to repay deficits accumulated in earlier years.

Mr. Freeman

Within the additional resources allocated to the National Health Service, combined with continued improvements in efficiency, including planned rationalisations of service, authorities are expected to plan to bring income and expenditure into balance. Where a region has funded excess spending by districts in earlier years the repayment of such funding, including use of the additional resources made available this year, is a matter for agreement between the region and districts concerned.