§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with(a) the West Midlands (South) Strategic Health Authority and (b) the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust on the strategies the trust will adopt to address its deficit; and if he will make a statement. [106492]
§ Mr. LammyI have had no discussions about the strategies South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust will adopt to address its deficit. It is for local strategic health authorities to monitor the strategies of the individual primary care trusts within their area.
§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust to(a) bring its annual expenditure into balance and (b) eradicate its cumulated deficit; what the latest date is which he will accept for both; and if he will make a statement. [106589]
§ Mr. Lammy[holding answer 1 April 2003]: This is a matter for West Midlands South Strategic Health Authority (StHA). I expect South Worcester Primary Care Trust (PCT) to bring its annual expenditure into balance. The StHA is currently agreeing a date with the PCT, by which time its cumulated deficit will be eradicated.