§ 17. Mr. HainTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the effects of the budgets allocated to Welsh health authorities in 1996–97. [14174]
§ Mr. HagueI have increased resources for the NHS in Wales by 3.9 per cent. in 1996–97. This represents growth of 1.1 per cent. in real terms. Together with 3 per cent. efficiency savings I have asked for from health authorities and trusts, this will allow the NHS to meet the pressures facing it next year and to continue to increase investment in patient care.