To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received about the need to have more up-to-date information on demographic change to areas served by district health authorities when assessing their funding needs.

My hon. Friend the Minister for Health met my hon. Friend and the chairman of Hereford health authority earlier this month to discuss population estimates, among other issues relating to that health authority's funding. Additionally, the Department has received a small number of letters on this subject.