§ Rev. William McCreaTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the savings proposed by his Department in each of the Northern Ireland health board areas in 1996–97. [10567]
§ Mr. MossThe 1995 survey outcome provides for a small increase of 0.22 per cent. in real terms in the overall resources for the health and personnel Social Services in 1996–97. When one excludes the cost of drugs, the resources available to health and social services boards for hospital, community health and personal social services is 1.03 per cent. less than 1995–96 in real terms. In addition the survey outcome assumes 3 per cent. cash releasing efficiency savings. I have arranged to meet health and social services board chairmen and the local branch of the NHS Trust Federation before taking final decisions on allocations to boards for 1996–97.