§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he proposes to change the basis on which the capital programme of the Health Service in Wales is planned.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsMy Department and the Welsh health authorities have initiated a trial run of new procedures which would devolve to the area health authorities much fuller responsibility for the detailed planning of their capital programmes. The proposed procedures, which will come into full operation in 1984–85 if the trial run is successful, are summarised in the recommendations of a report by a joint working party of the health authorities and my Department which is published today. Copies have been placed in the Library.