HC Deb 20 March 1990 vol 169 cc1005-6
15. Mr. Gill

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are currently employed by the West Midlands regional health authority.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The latest information is that 5,094 people were employed by the West Midlands regional health authority on 30 September 1988.

Mr. Gill

Is not that rather too many? Does my hon. Friend recognise that the Shropshire people demonstrate the finest of British traits and would welcome greater economy and independence?

Mrs. Bottomley

I fully recognise my hon. Friend's point. Good administration is necessary within the NHS, but we are seeking to devolve as many decisions as possible. That is the intent of our reforms to improve and enhance the NHS.