§ Mr. Darlingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the revenue expenditure allocated to Lothian health board in 1988–89.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI expect to announce the revenue expenditure allocations to Scottish health boards for 1988–89 in February.
§ Mr. Darlingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider making available additional capital funds to Lothian health board to enable identified remedial and improvement work to be carried out to Edinburgh royal infirmary in 1988.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythLothian health board has been allocated £18,529,000 for capital expenditure in 1987–88—including £9,821,000 earmarked for projects at the Western general hospital, Edinburgh, the West Lothian district general hospital, Livingston and the Edinburgh dental hospital. Apart from these earmarked funds, it is for the board to determine its spending priorities within its allocation. The board is due to submit a revised capital plan shortly and its capital allocation for 1988–89 will be announced early next year.
§ Mr. Darlingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to receive Lothian health board's option appraisal on the future of the Edinburgh royal infirmary.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe board is currently reviewing its acute service needs, and I expect to receive its proposals when it has completed this work.
§ Mr. Darlingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Lothian health board with regard to its revenue and capital expenditure in (a) 1987–88 and (b) 1988–89.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythLothian is among the best funded health authorities in Great Britain. Since the 1987–88104W capital and revenue allocations were issued, my Department has received two letters from Lothian health board about capital allocations. In addition officials maintain regular contact about many aspects of the board's financial affairs.