§ Ms. Colquhounasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will stop further staff cuts and hospital closures by Northamptonshire Area Health Authority until he has received a financial report from the area health authority;
(2) when he receives the financial statement on moneys discharged by Northampton Area Health Authority if he will make a public statement on them.
§ Mr. EnnalsI have asked the chairmen of the regional and area health authorities in the Oxford Region to let me have by the middle of this month a report setting out the steps to be taken to bring the region's finances under control in the short term and broad indications of the strategic approach to development of services into the mid-1980s. When I have studied the report I shall consider whether a public statement is necessary.
Some changes in services have already been approved and are taking place. I am satisfied that these are necessary improvements and rationalisations of services, and that they should continue. I understand that no new changes are likely to be set in train before I receive the report I have called for. I also understand that the interests of the staff are being taken fully into account by the area health authority, which is keeping the local branches of the trades unions and staff associations concerned closely informed of developments.