To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been allocated to improve the treatment of cancer in each year since 1999.
More than £250 million hasbeen targeted specifically at cancer services over the past five years. £25million is the recurring
Cancer in Scotland investment and from 2006this was distributed to NHS boards via the general allocation.
NHS boards do not receive aspecific budget for the treatment of cancer. NHS boards receive an annualallocation. It is for each NHS board to utilise the funds available to meet thehealth care needs of its resident population, including the cost of treatmentfor cancer, taking account of national and local priorities. Cancer is aclinical priority for both the Scottish Executive and NHSScotland.
The general allocations toNHS boards since 1999 are as follows:
1999-2000- £4,566.26 million
2000-01- £4,919.40 million
2001-02- £5,272.54 million
2002-03- £5,932.08 million
2003-04- £6,384.51 million
2004-05- £7,465.22 million
2005-06 - £8,112.94 million.