§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the report of the Greater London Association of Community Health Councils on the accident and emergency services in London; and if he will make a statement on its recommendations. [18289]
§ Mr. MaloneWe have noted the report.
Work has been undertaken by health authorities and trusts to ensure that the service is able to cope with peaks of activity. Every health authority produced an action plan with its trusts in advance of this winter and these arrangements have, in general, worked well. We have made £20 million extra funds available during the current financial year to meet particular pressures, out of which around £4 million is going to health authorities in London.