§ 28. Mr. David HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he proposes to take to avoid(a) reductions in the level of service and (b) asset sales by health service trusts which are expecting a financial deficit in the current year. [3495]
§ Mr. MilburnHealth Authorities and Trusts must work together to return to financial stability. For their part, the Government are committed to raising spending on the NHS in real terms every year and to ensuring that more of every pound spent goes on patient care, not bureaucracy. Proceeds from the disposal of trust assets are available to finance capital investments to improve patient care.