§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement regarding the financial situation of the Lothian and Greater Glasgow health boards.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythLothian health board has allowed commitments to exceed its income and has been asked to bring forward proposals to bring its expenditure and income into balance. Management consultants are helping the board to assess the scale of the deficit, and are advising on ways to provide their existing services more efficiently. The management team's report and recommendations on these crucial matters is not yet complete and I understand that it is to be presented at the next meeting of the board on 24 May.
70WOnly at that stage will the board be able to assess whether changes to the present pattern of service will be required.
In common with the remaining health boards Greater Glasgow health board is operating within the budget allocated through the Scottish health authorities revenue equalisation (SHARE) process.