HC Deb 03 December 1996 vol 286 c634W
27. Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS trusts are meeting the financial targets set by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the impact of financial targets on medical care. [5636]

Mr. Horam

Trusts currently have three financial targets set by the Department. From the latest estimates available, the number of trusts forecasting to achieve the targets are:

  1. (a)335 trusts will break even on income and expenditure.
  2. (b)283 trusts will make a return on capital of 6 per cent.
  3. (c)416 trusts will meet their external financing limit.

Financial targets in the national health service are making a real contribution to the efficient running of the service. The targets ensure that financial planning is performed effectively to deliver continual improvements in medical care throughout the year.