HC Deb 07 March 1986 vol 93 cc316-7W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what new medical technology he proposes to introduce into the National Health Service during the next three years and at what cost; and what estimate he has made of the demands which are likely to be made on services within the National Health Service during the same period while introducing new medical technology.

Mr. Hayhoe

Funds are not allocated centrally to specific services except for designated supra-regional services. It is for health authorities to decide how best to develop their services, including the introduction of new medical technology, so as to meet the likely demand arising from demographic and other changes and the need to improve services in line with ministerial priorities, taking into account the overall resources expected to be available, including those generated through cost improvements. Data are not available centrally to work out separately the costs of and demand on services which arise from specific developments.