§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the cost effect of the new increase in oil prices on the finances of Scottish hospital authorities; and if he will increase Government money to boards to meet the new additional costs.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellThe new increase in oil prices is expected to raise expenditure by Scottish hospital authorities by approximately £37,000 per annum. The increased oil prices will be reflected in the hospital price index, movements in which determine the amount of additional funds to be made available to the authorities each year to cover increases in prices.
§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will ascertain and publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the Scottish Hospital Service expenditure on oil and coal purchased for steam raising in each of the past five years.
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§ Mr. Gordon CampbellThe information is as follows:
Year ended 31st March Coal Oil £ £ 1969 … 1,344,000 700,000 1970 … 1,388,000 664,000 1971 … 1,376,000 788,000 1972 … 1,679,000 1,226,000 1973 (estimated) … 1,769,000 1,291,000