§ Mr. Cookasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of the finance available under the support funding scheme in Scotland was taken up in each year.
§ Mr. John MacKayIn 1980–81 and 1981–82 health boards took up the following approximate percentages of the total amounts available for allocation under the support financing arrangements:
Percentage 1980–81 41 1981–82 57 Final outturn figures for 1982–83 are not yet to hand. To date my Department has authorised expenditure by health boards in 1982–83 of a total of approximately £1,175,000.
§ Mr. Cookasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any plans to increase in real terms the amount of money allocated to the support funding scheme.
§ Mr. John MacKayMy right hon. Friend's expenditure plans, "Public Expenditure to 1985–86: A Commentary on the Scottish Programme", published on 8 February, provide for increased expenditure on the support financing scheme. After allowance for expected inflation, the new resources should permit a considerably expanded programme of support.