Mr. Robert AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make additional funding available to meet the estimated deficits for the current financial year in health authorities(a) in the west midlands and (b) across England and Wales. [3284]
§ Mr. MaloneNo additional funding is planned in the current financial year in England. Questions relating to Wales are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
Health authorities received an average cash increase of 3.9 per cent. in 1996–97. Health authorities are expected to manage within these resources and will benefit also from on-going improvements in efficiency.