§ 40. Mr. Denzil Freethasked the Minister of Health whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the proposal he has received from the South West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board for the creation of a separate Regional Board for Wessex.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganI am not yet in a position to announce a decision. I must remind my hon. Friend that before making an order creating a new region, it is incumbent on my right hon. Friend by statute to consult the various bodies which seem to be affected, A firm decision will however be announced as soon as possible.
§ Mr. FreethHas my hon. Friend consulted the necessary bodies? Am I right in assuming from his reply that he is favourable to the setting up of a separate Wessex Regional Board, and are we in Wessex to take this as being a nod which is as good as a wink?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganI have nothing to add to my very carefully worded answer. Regarding the last part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I can think of many occasions when a nod causes less embarrassment than a wink.
§ Mr. SmithersWill my hon. Friend take note that if he is able to come to the conclusion that he should set up a separate regional board, it will be very well received in the Winchester area?