§ Mr. MillsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, what were the costs of operating Solihull hospital for 1994–95; what estimates she has made for 1995–96; and if she will make a statement. [15132]
§ Mr. MaloneThis information is not available centrally, however, I understand from West Midlands regional health authority that the 1994–95 budgeted costs were £32.9 million and that for 1995–96 proposed costs of £39.5 million have been identified. It is estimated that these costs will lead to an £850,000 deficit in 1994–95 rising to a potential deficit of £7.8 million the following year. A project team has been set up by West Midlands regional health authority, including representatives from Solihull hospital and Birmingham Heartlands national health service trust, to explore ways of resolving this situation. My hon. Friend may wish to contact Mr. Bryan Baker, chairman of the authority, for further details.