§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Health to what extent ring-fenced money allocated to specific services in Barnet(a)was used in 2001–02 and (b)is proposed to be used in 2002–03 for reducing deficits and for other purposes outside the ring-fence; what the original ring-fencing was proposed for in each case; and if he will make a statement. [46878]
§ Mr. HuttonThe main unified allocation for 2001–02 made to health authorities did not include ring-fenced allocations for specific services.
In 2001–02, some funds were hypothecated at a national level only.
In 2002–03, there is limited earmarking of funds within allocations. This is to allow HAs to be able to manage flexibly the resources available to them. The following sums are included in allocations with the intention that they are spent on the purpose for which they were allocated.
Barnet, Enfield and Haringey health authority £000 Mental health 1,342 CHD 1,074 Cancer 1,360 Information management and technology 993 Primary care 1,494 Capacity 7,604 13,866 Barnet Primary Care Trust is still in the process of agreeing its financial plan for 2002–03.