§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the percentage increase in financial resources for both capital and revenue allowed to the North-West Regional Health Authority for the year 1977–78 over the year 1976–77; and what is the highest percentage increase allowed to any regional health authority for the same period.
§ Mr. MoyleThe revenue cash limit notified to the North-Western Regional Health Authority for 1977–78 includes an increase of 3.19 per cent. in real terms in the main service allocation, the highest allowed to any regional health authority in England. The total capital available in 1977–78 will be less than in 1976–77—I would refer the hon. Member to the 493W White Paper "The Government's Expenditure Plans", Volume II (Cmnd. 6721-II) Table 2.11—and capital allocations to regional health authorities will be heavily influenced by the level of existing contractual commitments. Direct comparisons between the two years are not practicable because of the change to cash limit control in 1977–78 from the earlier form of capital programme control.