Written question asked by David Lidington (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 28 February 1997. It was answered by Gerald Malone (Conservative) on Friday, 28 February 1997 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: If he will comment on the reasons for his decision that Buckinghamshire Health Authority's deficit should be recouped by 31st March 1998 rather than the date originally planned.

Answer: Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the reasons for his decision that Buckinghamshire health authority's deficit should be recouped by 31 March 1998 rather than the date originally planned. [18228] Mr. Malone: All health authorities must remain within their allocated annual cash limit. However a health authority might report in its accruals accounts a deficit position. In this situation it must agree a recovery plan with the national health service executive regional office to regain financial equilibrium. The plan could be reassessed to take account of changed circumstances.

Secondary information