15. Mr. John Mark Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about the resources allocated to the East Birmingham hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe Department has received a number of representations about East Birmingham's financial problems. The allocation of resources to district health authorities is, however, a matter for regional health authorities which are best placed to make the necessary judgments. This year (1986–87) the West Midlands health region is getting a cash increase of 8.5 per cent., taking its annual revenue allocation to over £1 billion. As I have explained, it is for the West Midlands regional health authority to decide how best to divide this growth money between its 22 districts.