§ Mr. Gregory CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to ensure that the Health Service in Northern Ireland has sufficient resources to meet demand at each of the acute hospitals in Northern Ireland. [121057]
§ Angela SmithThe overall level of resources for the Health and Personal Social Services (HPSS) is planned as part of the annual Budget process. Following the last Budget, the HPSS baseline was set at £3,033.3 million for 2003–04—an exceptional increase of some 15 per cent. on the previous year. The bulk of this money is allocated to the four area Boards, who are responsible for funding individual Trusts for the hospital and other services that they provide to the local population.