HC Deb 29 November 1996 vol 286 c430W
Dr. Hendron

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what savings have been made by the Eastern health and social services board in respect of purchases from the North and West Belfast HSS trust since 5 April. [6577]

Mr. Moss

The 1995 public expenditure survey settlement included a requirement from the Department of Finance and Personnel to the health service in Northern Ireland to find 3 per cent. cash efficiency savings. However, after discussions with boards and trusts, I concluded that this would not be possible. Accordingly, instead of being prescriptive, I agreed to guidelines of 1.5 per cent. efficiency savings and 1.5 per cent. cuts in services. In seeking to achieve the necessary savings, I understand that the board negotiated with North and West Belfast HSS trust a contract for 1996–97 which proposed a service reduction equating 1.3 per cent.—£0.831 million—a total saving of 2.93 per cent.—£1.528 million.

Dr. Hendron

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what savings the Eastern health and social services board is expected to make in respect of purchases from the North and West Belfast HSS trust in the current financial year. [6578]

Mr. Moss

I understand that the board, in accordance with the guidelines that service reductions should focus on low priority acute elective activity, agreed a contract with North and West Belfast HSS trust which will realise the following savings: cost improvement of 1.56 per cent—W.831 million—and in-year service reductions on 0.66 per cent.—£0.331 million.

Dr. Hendron

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which of the savings to be made by the Eastern health and social services board in respect of purchases from the North and West Belfast HSS trust will affect residential homes and their staff. [6579]

Mr. Moss

I understand that the savings realised from the North and West Belfast HSS Trust for 1996–97 have had no implications for the provision of its statutory residential care homes. The contract signed with the trust has no detrimental effect on its existing levels of statutory residential care. The trust has made no approach to the board about any proposals to reduce statutory residential provision in 1996–97.