§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Health to what extent the Sheffield Regional Hospital Board and the Barnsley Hospital Management Committee have overspent during the last 12 months; what has been generally responsible; and, in particular, to what extent increases in food costs and the general increase in the cost of living have been responsible.
§ Mr. BraineI can give figures only for financial years. In 1961–62 the Board overspent by £71,000 and the Committee underspent by £12,500. The overspending was mainly due to staff recruited in excess of estimates towards the close of the year. I cannot forecast the out-turn for the current financial year.