§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what target date he has established for the completion of the process of reallocation of resources on the basis laid down by the Resources Allocation Working Party; and if he is satisfied that all health regions can complete reallocation between area health authorities by this date.
§ Mr. MoyleThe speed with which a fairer sharing of resources between health regions and areas can be achieved must depend on the levels of funds available for the hospital and community health services. In addition, the more deprived regions and areas need time to plan to use additional funds efficiently, and the better off regions and areas must
1972–73 1973–74 1974–75 1975–76 1976–77 Cost of energy consumed by Health Authorities (£ million) 39.0 41.2 69.5 91.0 110.5 Note: There was a significant change in the National Health Service estate on 1st April 1974 so that a valid comparison with 1972–73 can be made only for hospitals.
1972–73 1973–74 1974–75 1975–76 1976–77 Estimated cost of energy used in all hospitals (£ million) 38.5 40.8 64.7 84.6 102.8 Percentage change in energy consumption in all hospitals — -11.1 -10.0 -11.0 -13.5 Estimated value of energy reduction in all hospitals (£ million) — 5.1 7.2 10.5 16.0 Notes:
1. It is not possible 10 distinguish between savings from conservation measures and those from replacement of obsolete plant.
2. Since the National Health Service estate is increasing, the reduction in energy consumption understates the true saving which is estimated at 19 per cent.