§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, following the discussions between his officials and those of the Northern Regional Health Authority which were announced in reply to the hon. Member for Berwick-on-Tweed in an Adjournment debate on 16th December 1977, he is now satisfied that the allocations planned for the Northumberland area are as equitable as possible; and what improvements have been made in the region's original proposals.
§ Mr. MoyleIt is for the regional health authority, in consultation with its area health authorities, to determine the deployment of funds in the region, but I am satisfied that this is being done within the spirit of the guidance issued by my Department. Northumberland Area Health Authority has recently been notified that it will receive additional revenue, in 1978–79, of £419,000, an increase of £280,000 over the planning assumptions issued in September 1977.