HC Deb 09 March 1982 vol 19 cc712-3
13. Mr. Guy Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will set up a public inquiry in the light of the contents of his Department's audit report for 1980–81 on the Greenwich and Bexley area health authority.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The Greenwich and Bexley area health authority will be dissolved on 31 March 1982 and no useful purpose would now be served by a public inquiry.

Mr. Barnett

Is not the hon. and learned Gentleman concerned that this is the second occasion on which the auditor has been especially critical of this area health authority? Does he recognise that there is at least evidence that private patients have been treated without making proper payment, and also evidence of widespread examples of inadequate financial control, to which the right hon. Member for Sidcup (Mr. Heath) drew attention a year ago following the 1979–80 report and again this year? Will he reconsider the matter in view of these facts?

Mr. Clarke

I am concerned about all these matters. Obviously there should be proper financial control, including the proper recovery of charges from private patients. It would appear that there has been an improvement. I trust that the new district authorities, which will take over on 1 April, will get matters back in order as rapidly as possible.

Mr. Wellbeloved

Will the Minister seriously reconsider this issue? There has been a significant ground swell of public concern about the area health authority's affairs. It would be scandalous if the Minister allowed it to pass out of existence without an investigation into its conduct.

Mr. Clarke

There is a further audit to come. I hope that local opinion is reassured by all the signs, which indicate that matters are now getting back under control, with improved financial control and performance in most of the areas that have concerned the district auditor in the past. Obviously that improvement must be maintained. I hope that the new Greenwich district authority will quickly tackle the problem of the proper provision of hospital services in the area.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Does my hon. and learned Friend agree that if control is restored more resources and money will be available within the new district authority of Greenwich and that hospitals such as the Brook and its cardiac unit at Eltham and Mottingham may be protected or reopened?

Mr. Clarke

My predecessor had asked the new Greenwich district authority to produce a comprehensive plan for hospital provision within that area. I look forward to receiving that plan. We shall then take such steps as we can to put matters in order.

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