asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will review the distribution of moneys for the National Health Service in order that the National Health Service in Kent would receive extra funds in addition to the £50 million recently granted.

The allocation of financial resources to area health authorities is a matter for regional health authorities. The South-East Thames Regional Health Authority accepts the need for a more equal distribution of resources between the five area health authorities in the region. The pace at which this can be achieved depends on how quickly services in overprovided areas can be rationalised without disruption to the present pattern of care or to essential teaching and specialist needs. As a result of the regional health authority's redistribution policy Kent Area Health Authority's revenue allocation for the current financial year has been increased by £2·4 million