HC Deb 09 February 1999 vol 325 cc170-1W
Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the total administrative expenditure in the Scottish NHS for(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98, (d) 1998–99 and (e) 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [69240]

Mr. Galbraith

[holding answer 4 February 1999]: Health Boards in Scotland receive an annual general revenue allocation and it is for Health Boards themselves to decide on how best to deploy funding made available to meet the health care needs of their resident population. No estimate is made centrally for administrative expenditure. Outturn figures for total administrative expenditure for Health Boards and NHS Trusts are available for 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98. These are detailed in the table.

From 1 July 1999 this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

Year Expenditure £000
1995–96 486,963
1996–97 490,077
1997–98 488,710