HC Deb 09 June 1997 vol 295 c301W
Mr. Burnett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to review the weighted elements of his Department's national weighted capitation formula for health funding; if evidence of population sparsity will be included in that review; and if he will make a statement. [2485]

Mr. Milburn

We will look at how resources are distributed across both secondary and primary care to ensure that these fully reflect local population needs and operate as fairly as possible.

We will continue with the research which has already been commissioned to investigate the possible extra costs associated with the provision of accident and emergency and ambulance services in sparsely populated rural areas. A report is expected in the autumn and the results will be carefully considered.