§ 10. Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Social Services whether he will now announce his decision on the future administrative structure of the National Health Service in Leicestershire.
§ Dr. VaughanNo, Sir. Regional health authorities have been asked to submit proposals for the future pattern of district health authorities in their regions by the end of February. We have not yet received Trent regional health authority's proposals.
§ Mr. LathamIs my right hon. Friend aware that the Trent region's restructuring committee has officially recommended a single district authority for the county of Leicestershire, and that that proposal has wide support in the medical and allied professions in the county? Will he confirm that exceeding the 500,000 maximum target will be permitted in exceptional circumstances?
§ Dr. VaughanI understand my hon. Friend's concern. There would have to be exceptional circumstances for a new district health authority to serve a population of more than 500,000. However, special reasons may be involved, and we shall consider them when the proposals are put to us.