§ 13. Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with his ministerial colleagues regarding the audit body proposed to oversee health spending in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [53157]
§ Mr. TouhigMy right hon. Friend has discussed this matter with both the Assembly First Minister and my right hon. Friend the Member for Darlington. I have also discussed it with the Assembly Secretary for Health and Social Services.
The Commission for Health and Improvement (CHI) and the Audit Commission are England and Wales bodies. The First Minister and the Assembly Cabinet are content with the proposals in principle. It will be necessary to make sure that this works properly and effectively for Wales, and these detailed issues will be addressed during the framing of the necessary legislation.
§ 27. Andrew SelousTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales about the impact of the Budget on health spending in Wales. [53172]
§ Mr. TouhigMy right hon. Friend and I have spoken with the Assembly First Minister and with the Health Secretary about the increase to the Welsh Block consequential on the increases in Government spending on health announced in the recent Budget.
169WThe resulting amount for the Block was £1.8 billion over the next five years and I am pleased to say that the Assembly intends to spend the full amount on health.