§ Lord Molloyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are considering the introduction of any measures intended to stop or reduce the cuts recommended for hospitals in the Greater Manchester Health Authority area.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Baroness Trumpington)Salford and South Manchester Health Authorities will significantly overspend their budgets this year unless corrective measures are taken. As responsible managers, they are tackling the problem in order to protect patients' services and ensure that patients actually benefit from the £8 million extra we will be spending this year on health services in the North-West. The noble Lord may wish to contact the chairman of the health authority concerned for more detailed information.