§ Mr. StunellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken(a) to implement the Stocktake Group report on support for HIV services and (b) to require health authorities to take timely decisions on funding HIV related services in financial year 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [79704]
§ Ms JowellI am currently considering the recommendations of the Stocktake Group on the long-term future funding of HIV/AIDS treatment and care. Notification of the HIV/AIDS treatment and care and HIV prevention budgets for 1999–2000 was made to health authorities on 15 April, and a copy of the Allocations Working Paper (AWP (99–00) HA36) showing initial 539W allocations to each health authority has been placed in the House of Commons Library. Guidance to health authorities on the use of these funds will be issued shortly.