§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the deficit for the 2001–02 year was as at 30 September for each health authority in England and Wales; and what deficits have been carried over from 2000–01 in each case. [7623]
§ Mr. HuttonInformation on the financial position of health authorities in England at 30 September will be included in returns received in late November. However, all health authorities plan to achieve financial balance in 2001–02.
Health authorities now produce their accounts on a resource basis rather than income and expenditure. The provisional annual summarised accounts for 2000–01 show only one health authority, Bexley and Greenwich, failed to achieve financial balance. The health authority merged on 1 April 2001.
Matters for Wales are the responsibility of the devolved Administration.