§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision he has made for the financial year 2000–01 to meet the costs incurred by the East Kent Health Authority through the provision of interpreters to assist the treatment of asylum seekers and economic migrants. [125274]
§ Mr. HuttonEast Kent Health Authority's unified allocation for 2000–01 is £431.8 million, an increase of £32.9 million (8.25 per cent.)
It is for health authorities, in partnership with primary care groups and other local stakeholders, to determine how best to use their funds to meet national and local priorities for improving health, tackling health inequalities and modernising services.
§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the cost to the National Health Service of the provision of interpreters to assist asylum seekers, for the latest period for which figures are available; how much of this money has been refunded by central Government to(a) local health authorities and (b) hospital trusts; and if he will make a statement. [125273]
§ Mr. HuttonInformation on the costs of interpretation services for asylum seekers is not collected centrally.