§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what(a) surpluses and (b) deficits were recorded by each health authority in each of the last three years.
§ Mr. Moss[holding reply 12 December 1994]: As cash-limited organisations, health and social services boards are not permitted to overspend, that is, to make cash deficits. However, goods and services, for example equipment, building works etcetera, ordered in one financial year are frequently not received until the next. This can lead to "surpluses" in one year, when the allocation has been underspent, and "deficits" in the following year, when that year's allocation is overspent.
The "surpluses" and "deficits" for Northern Ireland's four health and social services boards for the periods 1991–92 to 1993–94 are as follows:
findings; how they affected the evaluation of aid to the Colombian regime; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryOur ambassador in Bogota reports regularly on human rights in Colombia. Our embassy is in frequent touch with a wide range of governmental and non-governmental organisations in Colombia, as well as with our European Union partners on human rights issues.
Human rights violations in Colombia have complex causes. Illegal drugs production and trafficking, the activities of guerrilla organisations and military and para-military forces, failure to bring successful prosecutions, as well as conditions of poverty and social inequality all contribute to the high level of abuses there. The administration of President Samper is addressing these issues frankly and openly. The priority which the Government of Colombia attach to these issues is welcome. We wish them success in their attempt to improve human rights observance.
Human rights considerations have not significantly affected decisions on the nature of our modest bilateral aid programme with Colombia. The programme is entirely technical co-operation, operating mainly through non-governmental organisations and autonomous institutions.