HC Deb 07 November 1980 vol 991 cc688-9W
Mrs. Knight

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to ensure that children suffering from cancer in the Birmingham area are able to receive the treatment they need in that area, so as to avoid the need to "bus" sick children to Coventry, Manchester or London.

Dr. Vaughan

Responsibility for the provision of treatment for these children lies with the West Midlands regional health authority and the Birmingham area health authority (teaching). The health authorities are very aware of the current difficulties and a number of proposals have been put forward to relieve the problem. I understand from the area health authority (teaching) that, since 1 January 1980, five children have been referred outside the area and those were to Coventry.