§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the difference is between(a) earmarking and (b) ringfencing in the context of the additional revenue 725W and capital allocated to mental health services in 2002–03 to ensure that the funding reaches front line services in (a) England and (b) North Yorkshire. [60507]
§ Jacqui SmithThe additional £75 million allocated to health authorities in 2002–03 was earmarked for mental health. These are funds that are identified at health authority level with the intention that they be spent on the purpose for which they were allocated. This allows national health service organisations maximum flexibility to use the resources available to meet national and local needs.
The Secretary of State has a power under section 97(6) of the NHS Act 1977 to ring fence sums so that they can only be issued for the purpose for which they are issued. This power is used very sparingly.
The earmarked allocation is being monitored though to investment via the service and financial framework negotiations and reports. Department officials are working with front line NHS organisations to ensure sufficient emphasis and investment has gone into the NHS Plan commitments to ensure progress ready for the 2004 target dates.
§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the role of ward hostesses is in mental health trusts. [61460]
§ Jacqui SmithThe exact role of a ward hostess would be for local determination. However, in general terms the role would focus around meeting the needs of patients' food and drink requirements. The hostess should be integrated as a member of the ward team.