§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of hospital buildings in the area of the North Western regional health authority was built before 1948; and how this compares with the figures for other regions.
§ Dr. VaughanFigures given in the North Western regional health authority's 1979 strategic plan show 75 per cent. of the region's Health Service buildings, by volume, as having been built before 1948. Information to enable a comparison to be made between the North Western and other regions is not readily available at present.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the extent to which the North
Western regional health authority is underfunded in respect of capital resources; what consultations he has had with the authority on the matter; what action he will be taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinAt present the North Western region is relatively the most underprovided with capital resources in relation to its population. For this reason, in the current year it is receiving a high per capita allocation of capital, and can expect to continue to do so for the next few years until its relative stock deficit has been considerably improved. I have recently discussed resources allocation with the chairman of the North Western regional health authority, but the discussion did not specifically cover capital allocations. I intend to continue to allocate funds broadly in accordance with the recommendations of the Resource Allocation Working Party, which have as 369W their aim the more equitable distribution of resources and the progressive equalisation of capital stock.