HC Deb 24 March 1982 vol 20 cc926-7
15. Mr. Harry Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the future of districts within health board areas in Scotland.

Mr. Allan Stewart

Of the 10 boards with districts, the three largest boards have decided to retain them, and the three smallest have decided to abolish them. The position is still under consideration in the four remaining boards, and I am urging them to reach conclusions as soon as possible.

Mr. Ewing

I am tempted to ask the Health Minister the question that I had thought of asking the Industry Minister. I am certain that I would get a better reply from the Health Minister.

Will the Minister confirm that it is not the view of his officials, as was said in a recent letter, that it does not matter what the health boards decide—the officials will make sure that the district authorities will die a natural death in any case? I plead with the Minister to respect the wishes of the health boards and allow those who want to retain the district tiers to do so.

Mr. Stewart

I assure the hon. Member that my right hon. Friend has made it clear that while he would like to see the abolition of districts and the strengthening of unit management the ultimate decisions must be made by the area boards in the light of their particular circumstances.

Mr. Corrie

Can my hon. Friend confirm that the overriding need is to reduce management costs and therefore leave more financial help available for patient care?

Mr. Stewart

My hon. Friend is right. In so far as we can save costs on administration and management, those resources can then become available for the key tasks of improving patient care.

Mr. Michael Martin

Will the Minister consider making the health boards and the district boards more representative of the communities that they serve? There are many who feel that the health boards and the district boards are remote and out of touch with the needs of the communities.

Mr. Stewart

Members of the health boards are appointed from a wide range of organisations that submit nominees. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to submit any persons whom he thinks would be suitable, the names will be carefully considered.