asked the Secretary of State for Social Services by what amount the present funding of the Trent regional health authority is below the national average; and by what date he expects the balance to be redressed.

The revenue allocation of the Trent regional health authority in 1982–83 is 5·5 per cent. below the national average represented by its target share of resources under the RAWP formula. This represents £37 million at 1982–83 cash limit levels. The Trent region continues to receive one of the highest levels of growth in its revenue allocation of all regions. The future rate of progress will depend on the resources available nationally.