§ Mr. Hal Millerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the current position on the capital expenditure budgets of the health regions; and what proportions, if any, have been diverted to other expenditure, including pay increases.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke:Capital cash limits to regional health authorities for 1982–83 were announced on 22 381W January 1982. They have not been reduced. Regional health authorities can transfer up to 10 per cent. of their capital to revenue but there is no evidence at present that capital is being diverted for revenue requirements. Increases in the pay bill inevitably have an effect on health authorities' budgets but the Government have provided new money to meet most of the increased costs of our final pay offer and Authorities are adjusting their revenue budgets to meet the balance.