Skip to main content

Barnett Formula

Volume 461: debated on Wednesday 6 June 2007

7. What recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the operation of the Barnett formula as it affects Wales. (140340)

The Barnett formula has worked well in delivering funding for Wales, and I have been taking every opportunity to discuss the forthcoming spending review with the Chancellor and with the Chief Secretary to ensure that it continues to do so.

Public expenditure per head of population in Wales is £1,000 more than in England, yet patients in Wales have to wait significantly longer for NHS treatment. Five thousand patients in Wales are waiting more than six months for an NHS operation—what has gone wrong?

Waiting times in Wales are coming down progressively, and they are well down compared with the appalling scandal of long waiting times under the Tories.