§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales on which date notice was given to each NHS trust in Wales of their funding for the financial year 1994–95; what plans he has regarding the timing of notice to trusts in regard to pay awards; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesI refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's announcement of 16 March, which sets out the external financing limits for NHS trusts in 1994–95 together with the allocations to health authorities and family health services authorities. The external financing limits, however, relate only to new borrowing or the use of reserves by NHS trusts. Their general funding is determined via the contractual negotiations with the various health authorities and GP fundholders which they serve.
The Government's acceptance of the recommendations of the pay review bodies was conveyed to health authorities and NHS trusts in February with notification of the increases payable to relevant staff groups from 1 April followed in March. The notification of pay awards for other staff groups entitled to Whitley council terms and conditions of service is totally dependent upon the conclusion of 1994–95 pay negotiations within each of the functional councils. The amount and timing of pay awards to staff employed on local terms and conditions is a matter for each individual NHS trust.