To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the amount of money held by each regional health authority as a risk money reserve in 1991–92; and how much was held by each regional health authority in 1990–91.

Comprehensive information on the amount of money set aside to manage risk is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how (a) a health authority, (b) a NHS trust and (c) a fundholding general practitioner apply for an allocation from regional health authority's risk money reserve.

The procedure for applying for money from regional reserves is for individual regional health authorities to determine.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the risk factors for which regional health authorities are holding risk money reserves.

The reserves are held to provide in-year flexibility in line with sensible financial practice.