Written question asked by Mark Francois (Conservative) on Friday, 25 April 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 May 2008. It was answered by Ivan Lewis (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 May 2008 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Health Services: Essex

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been allocated for public relations in the budgets of each primary care trust in Essex in (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10.

Answer: [holding answer 1 May 2008]: This is matter for local primary care trusts (PCTs). There is no separate allocation made to PCTs for public relations, and information on the budgets for public relations for each of the primary care trusts in Essex is not held centrally.Revenue allocations are made to PCTs on the basis of the relative needs of their populations. It is for PCTs to determine how best to use the funding allocated to them, and to commission services to meet the healthcare needs of their local populations.The hon. Member may therefore wish to raise this matter locally.

Secondary information