§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales why the consulative document " Patients First " was not published in a bilingual format in Wales.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsWhile most of the issues covered in " Patients Frist " related to both England and Wales some were of concern only to England. This, coupled with our desire to publish an early response to the Merrison Commission's recommendations on the structure and management of the Health Service, persuaded us that this particular document should not be produced in bilingual form. This decision does not detract from our general policy to encourage the use of the Welsh language where appropriate.
§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will consider publishing the considered response to representations on " Patients First " earlier than previously planned before the changes in the Health Services Bill come into effect.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsA large number representations have been received and342W we wish to consider these carefully before publishing our response. Those parts of the Health Services Bill which relate to structural issues are enabling provisions only and their prior enactment would not pre-empt decisions.