HC Deb 06 July 1999 vol 334 c490W
24. Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what change there has been in the level of the NHS Modernisation Fund in the past year; and how much of the outgoings has been spent on waiting lists, capital investment, education, staff training, primary care and mental health. [88261]

Mr. Denham

This is the first year of the Modernisation Fund. It has been earmarked for modernising and developing the National Health Service.

Over £1.2 billion has been allocated in 1999–2000. This includes:

  • £320 million to help tackle waiting in the NHS;
  • £170 million for capital investment, including £100 million from the Treasury Capital Modernisation Fund;
  • £120 million to expand education and training opportunities for doctors and nurses;
  • £320 million for Primary Care, including £54 million for the establishment of NHS Direct; and
  • £50 million for mental health services.