NHS: Finances

Lord James of Blackheath
asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 27 February (HL2003), whether they will indicate how much revenue saving previously assumed has now been taken into the detriment of the current forecast of a £13 million surplus for the current financial year; and [HL2354]

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 13 March (WA 118), why the Question for Written Answer (HL2354), tabled by Lord James of Blackheath on 27 February, had not been answered by 13 March; and when an answer can be expected. [HL2715]

The Minister of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath)
As reported in the quarter three National Health Service finance report, published on 20 February 2007, the NHS is forecasting a net surplus of £13 million. Strategic health authorities have identified savings of £450 million through their continued prudent management of central NHS programme budgets. These savings are available to offset the deduction made to NHS resources in the current financial year in respect of prior year overspends.