§ 96. Mr. McInnesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the amount allowed for the current year to National Health Service hospitals in Scotland in respect of furniture and equipment; and what this represents per bed.
§ Mr. J. Stuart£370,000 for general furnishings and equipment and £235,000 for X-ray and electro-medical equipment. This includes certain equipment in new accommodation, for which no separate allowance is made. The total represents £9 12s. 6d. per staffed bed over the hospital service as a whole.
§ 97. Mr. McInnesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why expenditure in respect of furniture and equipment in National Health Service hospitals in Scotland is treated as capital expenditure, whereas in England and Wales it is included in ordinary running costs.
§ Mr. J. StuartThis is no more than a difference in accounting practice, which does not affect the financial provision made. I might add that the definition of capital expenditure in the hospital service is at present under review.