19. Mr. Ron Brownasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will increase the level of funding for the National Health Service in Scotland and for Lothian health board in particular.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe resources provided for the NHS in Scotland this year are about £100 million more than the level of expenditure on the service in 1982–83. They will be increased if demand for primary care services exceeds present estimates. The Government's present expenditure plans allow for a further additional amount of about £100 million cash to be available for the health programme in 1984–85. These plans are being reviewed in the current public expenditure survey. Allocations to health boards for 1983–84 are not likely now to be altered; those for 1984–85 will be determined later in the year after the conclusion of the survey.
§ 27. Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on staffing levels in the National Health Service in Scotland.
§ Mr. John MacKayMy right hon. Friend's policy is to encourage National Health Service authorities to make the most efficient and effective use of all the resources available to them, and in particular to employ no more staff than their services require.
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§ Mr. Willie W. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the restructuring of the Scottish National Health Service is expected to begin; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe timetable for restructuring has been the subject of detailed consideration in the general Whitley Council, and I shall shortly be consulting health board chairmen about implementation arrangements in the light of the recent management inquiry report.