HC Deb 13 March 1987 vol 112 cc310-1W
Mr. Hume

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will make a statement on the distribution of revenue resources to the Western health and social services board since the formulation of the proposal for the allocation of revenue resources system; and if he will outline what figures are available to indicate the pattern of distribution in relation to the proposal for the allocation of revenue resources system;

(2) if he will make a statement on the funding and performance of the Western health and social services board from 1981 to 1987 taking particular account of the proposal for the allocation of revenue resources system, efficiency savings, cost improvement programmes, shortfall pay awards and new money;

(3) what plans he has to bring the funding of the Western health and social services board into line with the provisions of the proposal for the allocation of revenue resources system; and if the board will receive the proposal for the allocation of revenue resource system shortfall of the past few years;

(4) if he will make a statement indicating whether there are any proposals to review or amend the proposal for the allocation of revenue resources system on a basis similar to the proposals on the resources allocation working party system;

(5) if the Government will seek to take account in future funding plans of those demands placed on health and social services by social and economic deprivation which are not reflected in the present proposal for the allocation of revenue resources system formula; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Needham

The revenue allocation to the Western health and social services board increased by 5.5 per cent. in real terms from 1981–82 to 1986–87. Because of deficiencies in the PARR formula, which was devised in 1978, allocations to boards are determined largely on the basis of an analysis of their annual operational plans. However, a review of resource allocation policy will shortly be initiated which will draw on work done for similar reviews in England and Scotland, including the relationship between social deprivation and needs for health care.

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