HC Deb 13 February 1983 vol 54 c12
14. Sir Anthony Meyer

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the radiotherapy facilities available to National Health Service cancer patients in North Wales.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

As my hon. Friend is aware, radiotherapy facilities for National Health Service cancer patients in north Wales are provided at Clatterbridge hospital in the Mersey regional health authority. There are difficulties, but I understand that proposals for creating a better level of radiotherapy service at Clatterbridge will be put to Mersey regional health authority at its next meeting. Welsh Office officials will report to me as a matter of urgency the decisions of the authority, and the effects that these will have on patients in north Wales.

Sir Anthony Meyer

Is my hon. Friend aware that there will be some relief at the urgency with which he is tackling the problem? Is it not worrying that cancer patients in north Wales should be at the mercy of the Mersey health authority conducting its affairs sufficiently efficiently to maintain the existence of vital treatment facilities?

Mr. Roberts

I understand that financial provision for the Mersey regional health authority takes into account the fact that it provides services to patients from north Wales.