§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many veterinarians the Department(a) employed and (b) had on establishment in each of the last five years for which records are available. [163529]
§ Mr. BradshawThe total number of vets the State Veterinary Service(a) employed and (b) had on establishment is shown in the table below.
§ Angela SmithEquity in resource allocation to localities such as that covered by the Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust is a matter for the Board concerned. In 2003–04, the Eastern Board has allocated £0.7 million specifically to address the equity issue in North Down and Ards. In addition, a further £1 million funding was made available to support Acute services and the Elderly Programme of Care. The Eastern Board will continue to address the issue of equity within its resource constraints.
On-going developments at the Ulster Hospital are expected to close the equity gap in Acute services over a number of years. In addition, a review of the formula currently used to allocate resources to HSS Boards, due for consultation in May 2004, may alter the equity position to some extent at locality level. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety will continue to work closely with the Eastern Board on this matter.