§ 60. Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to monitor the effects of the recent cuts in National Health Service hospital funding on the treatment of patients.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe will, as in previous years, be monitoring the performance of health authorities through activity and cost returns as part of the process of accountability. Spending on hospital and community health services is in real terms as high as last year and higher than ever before. Health authorities are fully aware of the importance we attach to improving the efficiency of services for the benefit of patients. We therefore see no reason why our recent policies should have any adverse effects on the treatment of patients.