HC Deb 15 September 2004 vol 424 cc1635-6W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made towards removing inequality in(a) enjoyment of good health and (b) health services in Northern Ireland. [187766]

Percentage achieving 5+ GCSEs at Grades A*-C
2000–01 95
2000–02 95
2002–03 96

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of pupils from Northern Ireland gained five or more GCSEs at Grade A*-C in each of the last five academic years; and what the figures were for England and Wales. [188761]

Mr. Gardiner

Figures for 2003–04 are not yet available. The percentage of pupils gaining 5 or more GCSEs at Grade A*-C in each of the previous five years is as follows:

Mr. Gardiner

Figures for 2003–04 are not yet available. The percentage of pupils gaining two or more A Levels at Grade A-E in Northern Ireland, England and Wales is as follows:

Angela Smith

There has been significant progress in removing inequality. This includes the comprehensive public health strategy, "Investing for Health", which has set an ambitious cross-governmental agenda to improve health and well-being and reduce health inequalities. It also has been addressed through the continuous development of the capitation formula, which ensures that the allocation of resources between Boards reflects need and the higher costs of delivering services in rural areas. More generally, the level of investment in primary care and hospitals throughout Northern Ireland will benefit everyone, but particularly those who are most in need.