56. Mr. RogerKing asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total amount of capital investment announced by his Department for expenditure in the South Birmingham health authority.
§ Mr. NewtonAllocations to individual health authorities are a matter for the regional health authority. I understand, however, that some £37 million has been allocated to the South Birmingham health authority in the West Midlands regional health authority's operational capital programme over the period 1986–87 to 1993–94. This includes provision for the replacement of the Birmingham accident hospital. My hon. Friend may also wish to be aware that the capital allocation to the West Midlands regional health authority for the years 1986–87 and 1987–88 have been the highest in the country at some £82 million and £88 million respectively.