§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if it is his policy that future increases in funds for primary care groups will be designated for improving cancer services and coronary heart disease care, with particular reference to the most disadvantaged patients; [110359]
(2) if it is his policy that future increases in funds for health authorities and primary care groups will be designated for addressing inequalities within the National Health Service. [110360]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 22 February 2000]: The objective of resource allocation is to distribute National Health Service funds fairly through health authorities to primary care groups, based on the healthcare needs of populations.
753WWe are committed to modernising all aspects of care and treatment. But the priority is to deal with the biggest killers: cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke. This will help tackle inequalities as the burden of these diseases falls heavily on the most disadvantaged.
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 and modernising services. Their local strategies are set out in Health Improvement Programmes. These Programmes bring the Government's national priorities together with local priorities. There is particular emphasis on addressing areas of major health inequality in local communities and investing in primary care.
Health Improvement Programmes are underpinned by Service and Financial Frameworks. These frameworks set out the levels of resources allocated to support the local contribution to the national and local targets and priorities set out in the Health Improvement Programmes.
We have asked the Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation to consider how resource allocation can contribute to the reduction of avoidable health inequalities.