§ Lord Alderdiceasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they intend to take to address the underfunding of the Eastern Health and Social Services Board in Northern Ireland during 1995–96 and 1996–97.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Dubs)The Eastern Health and Social Services Board received its capitation share of available resources in 1995–96 and 1996–97. It also received £2 million special assistance in 1996–97 and £4 million in 1997–98 in recognition of the fact that it would probably gain as a result of revisions to the capitation formula which would arise from the work of the Capitation Formula Review Group. The Minister with responsibility for this matter, Mr. Tony Worthington, is considering the findings of the Capitation Formula Review Group report and will shortly announce his decision.