§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will estimate how much will be spent on accident and emergency departments in the financial year 1997–98(a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands; and what will be the percentage change from the previous year; [10248]
(2) how much the Government plan to spend on intensive treatment units in the financial year 1997–98 (a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands; and what will be the percentage change from the previous year; [10249]
(3) what estimate he has made of expenditure on (i) non-surgical and (ii) surgical departments in financial year 1997–98 (a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands (1) in cash terms and (2) as a percentage change on the previous year; [10311]
181W(4) what estimate he has made of expenditure on (i) geriatric care and (ii) cancer treatments in financial year 1997–98 (a) nationally and (b) in the west midlands; (1) in cash terms and (2) as a percentage change on the previous year. [10312]
§ Mr. HoramIt is not possible to provide precise estimates of expenditure on specific services for future years. Health authorities' general allocations are not hypothecated and it is for individual health authorities and general practitioner fundholders to use their funds to respond to the health needs of their local populations; spending on specific services can be determined accurately only in retrospect once health authority and trust accounts have been completed.