§ Mr. GibbTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes he proposes to the NHS capitation formula. [58343]
§ Mr. MilburnThere were three changes to the target setting process for 1999–2000 health authority allocations
the speciality cost weights in the hospital and community health services age adjustment were updated;a new additional need adjustment for prescribing was introduced;a supplement to the formula was introduced for the extra costs of interpretation, advocacy and translation services for ethnic minority populations who experience difficulties with the English language.No further changes will be made to the target setting process at least until 2001–02. This is because on 10 November 1998 we announced a wide ranging review of the formula.