HC Deb 02 June 1998 vol 313 c168
13. Mr. Roger Casale (Wimbledon)

What research he has commissioned into health inequalities by region. [42189]

The Secretary of State for Health (Mr. Frank Dobson)

The Department of Health has already published the results of an analysis of regional inequalities in health. On coming to office, we established the independent inquiry into inequalities in health, which should report by this autumn, and I recently announced a £1.7 million research programme into health inequalities.

Mr. Casale

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth health authority, which serves my constituents, is currently engaged in difficult negotiations with the South Thames NHS executive to secure a bridging loan to help it make ends meet and balance the budget by 2001? Is it not time to put an end to the need for such transitional finance by changing the national capitation formula so that it more truly reflects the real health needs of Londoners?

Mr. Dobson

We are reviewing the allocation of funds to health authorities, and I hope that, following the outcome of the comprehensive spending review, there will be more funds to allocate in the first place. We are determined not simply to research but to reduce health inequalities. That is why we have established health action zones; why we are getting people back to work; why we are introducing a national minimum wage; and why we are investing the takings from the sale of council houses in order to provide better homes for people who have nowhere decent to live. Those measures will improve the health of the worst off in this country.

Several hon. Members

rose—

Madam Speaker

Order. Time is up.

Miss Ann Widdecombe (Maidstone and The Weald)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. This is a direct point of order for you. You will be aware that during Question Time it is not possible for hon. Members to respond if other hon. Members make personal statements about them. The statements by the hon. Members for Preston (Audrey Wise) and for Milton Keynes, South-West (Dr. Starkey) were inaccurate. I do not seek to rehearse that point with you, but I seek to rehearse whether it is within the conventions of the House that hon. Members should have statements made against them when it is not possible for them to respond.

Madam Speaker

We have many great privileges in the House and I have always said that we should exercise those privileges with great responsibility, and heed the wise words of "Erskine May" in the language that we use across the Chamber. Let us discuss policies in the House, not personalities.

Audrey Wise (Preston)

Further to that point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker

I cannot take a further point of order. I have dealt with the matter.