Mr. DavidHunt asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further decisions he is able to announce about the future administrative structure for health services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanI am pleased to be able to announce that my right hon. Friend has made decisions on the recommendations of Mersey regional health authority for restructuring the National Health Service in that region. Subject to the necessary orders being made in due course, the following district health authorities will be established, and will come into being on 1 April 1982.
Resident population (1982) Chester 182,000 Crewe 241,000 Halton 139,000 Macclesfield 176,000 Warrington 170,000 Wirral 361,000 St Helens and Knowsley 368,000 North Sefton 117,000 Walton and Fazakerley 308,000 Liverpool (Eastern) 214,000 Liverpool (Central and Southern) 182,000 As a result of these changes the present five area authorities and 10 districts will be reduced to 11 new authorities.