§ David DavisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the extent to which the new national health service funding formula for primary care trusts is governed by rural factors. [92902]
§ Mr. HuttonThe new national health service funding formula takes account of a wide range of health and socio-economic factors associated with the need for health care.
In calculating health need in rural areas the new formula takes account of the effects of access, transport and poverty.
The new formula provides a better measure of health need in all areas.