§ 4. Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of his decision to create two 249 health districts in North Humberside, if he will ensure that the new Hull health district has adequate funds to cope with the cross-boundary flow from the Beverley health district.
§ Dr. VaughanI understand the hon. Gentleman's interest in this matter. Following the decision to have two districts for North Humberside, which we believe will give a very much better representation for community needs, the Yorkshire regional health authority will be considering how best to allocate money to patients living in one district but having treatment in another.
§ Mr. McNamaraIt is not good enough for the Minister to say that he understands my interest and that the Yorkshire regional health authority is considering the issue. Is it not a fact that the majority of those living in the Beverley district who require skilled and advanced medical services will have to enter the Hull district? Is it not necessary for the Minister to ensure that the Yorkshire authority supplies the Hull authority with the necessary funds, to enable it properly to conduct its services for the people of Hull and Beverley?
§ Dr. VaughanI was interested to learn that the Members of Parliament representing the district of Beverley supported the Government's stance and saw it as an important step towards having proper local representation and a proper administration of their health service. We do not share the view that every new health authority has to be completely independent and viable in its own right. There are no reasons why there should not be exchange arrangements whereby patients may go to whichever centre is best able to give them the treatment that they need.
§ Mr. McNamaraIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I wish to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter at the earliest opportunity in an Adjournment debate.