HC Deb 24 November 1987 vol 123 cc123-4
1. Ms. Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice he has given to the four Thames regions regarding the specific services to be cut in order to meet their cash reduction over the next three years.

The Minister for Health (Mr. Tony Newton)

Before I answer the question, may I take this opportunity to express the regret of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State at being unable to be here today because he is unwell?

There are no plans for cash reductions. The overall cash increase projected for the next three years is about 15 per cent. Health authority allocations for 1988–89 will be announced shortly.

Ms. Ruddock

I thank the Minister for his answer, but I fail to understand why, therefore, regional and district health authorities are all having to discuss how to meet the cuts that the Government are imposing. What does the Minister have to say about the findings of the medical committee of the South East Thames regional health authority that it is not unusual for breast surgery to be cancelled four or five times? What does he say to the terrified women whose lives may depend on swift and effective surgery and who are being treated in this disgraceful way so that Government financial guidelines can be met?

Mr. Newton

The Government have made clear their plans for the further development of breast cancer screening services and for ensuring that appropriate treatment is available. Additional moneys were made available to the Thames regions, under the heading of the so-called resource allocation working party bridging fund, last year. There will be further allocations under that heading in the allocations that are to be announced shortly.

Mr. Maples

Is my hon. Friend aware that, in the South East Thames region, the Lewisham and North Southwark district health authority has pioneered such innovations as cross-charging for out-of-district use and is selling services to the private sector and to other district health authorities? Will he consider encouraging authorities to extend the use of such market mechanisms in the context of a free NHS, to widen choice and improve services?

Mr. Newton

I shall certainly very much encourage all health authorities to examine such measures, which can assist in improving the services that we all want to be provided. The Lewisham and North Southwark district is also a good illustration of something else important—the massive capital investment taking place at Guy's.

Mr. Tony Banks

Would the Minister be prepared, after Questions today, to meet a delegation of doctor and nurses from St. Thomas's hospital on the other side of the river, in which 137 beds have been closed? Is he aware that that hospital serves the needs of Members of the House of Commons—or at least those who have not made private arrangements?

I do not wish ill on any Conservative Members, but if they all have a heart attack at the same time in the same massage parlour there will be a great strain on the health services, and particularly on St. Thomas's, where there will not be enough beds.

Mr. Newton

As it happens, I discussed some of these problems last week at a meeting with a consultant from St. Thomas's, and I shall take into account what he said when considering some of the matters to which I have already referred.

Mr. Squire

Is my hon. Friend aware that, despite his welcome news about continuing increases in money for the regions, somehow or other in many districts—certainly in my region of North East Thames—there are still just as many difficulties as there ever were? Will he look again at the basis of allocation for the district health authorities?

Mr. Newton

We are reviewing what is called RAWP at the national level, and we are discussing with the regions the operation of their allocation policies at the sub-regional level. Of course, I shall take account of my hon. Friend's point.

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