§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if regional health authorities are obliged to inform him of capital projects deferred following expenditure and staff reductions in the current year.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeMajor capital projects under construction are monitored by the Department and any delays or deferments are notified to us. There is no obligation on health authorities to inform us of deferments of proposed capital developments. I do not believe that any authority need defer an essential capital project because of staffing or expenditure arrangements this year. Financial provision for capital spending next year is based on a planned 2 per cent. increase in real terms.