§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will issue a consultation paper on the possibility of uniting area health authorities and family health service authorites in Wales.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesMy right hon. Friend has no plans to do so at present. The merger of health authorities and family health services authorities in Wales would require primary legislation. However we encourage health authorities and family health services authorities to work together wherever possible, and there is already significant evidence of such co-operation, particularly in respect of strategic planning.