§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of the extra £50 million to be spent on the National Health Service in 1978–79 was intended for the purchase and use of kidney machines; and what proportion will actually be spent in this way.
§ Mr. MoyleI estimated in April that about 8 per cent. of the share of the £50 million allotted to health authorities in England would be used to expand renal dialysis services. Since then regional health authorities have submitted proposals for a very substantial expansion of these services. I have given eight of the 14 authorities approval to go ahead with schemes estimated to require nearly 5 per cent. of England's share of the £50 million. My Department is urgently discussing further proposed developments with the remaining six regional health authorities and with one of the eight which already has my approval for some of its schemes.