§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent in England the disparities in hospital service resources between regions are reflected in those services available to areas.
§ Dr. OwenThe disparities in health service spendingper capita at area level are even greater than those at regional level, as is demonstrated in the article by a member of my Department which appeared in the British Medical Journal for 31st January under the title "The per capita expenditure of the English Area Health Authorities ". The article 742W shows that there is markedly less variation between areas in expenditure on community health services—which does not include expenditure on family practitioner services—than on hospital services.
From 1948 to 1st April 1974 expenditure on community health services was the responsibility of local authorities. As my right hon. Friend indicated in her recent letter to chairmen of health authorities, a copy of which is in the Library of the House, it will be our policy to maintain progress in future towards a more equitable distribution of financial resources for all health services. In particular, the Resource Allocation Working Party will be making further recommendations on criteria for allocating revenue to area health authorities. The highest priority is also being given to developing health district profiles which will allow greater definition of health deprivation nationally.