§ Sir Thomas ArnoldTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her policy with regard to the merger of district health authorities within Greater Manchester; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleWe are prepared to consider mergers where they are clearly in the interests of patients.
North Western regional health authority ha; encouraged district health authorities to form purchasing consortia. From 1 April 1993, the following consortia will operate within Greater Manchester:
- North, Central and South Manchester and Salford DHAs;
- Oldham and Tameside and Glossop DHAs;
- Bolton and Wigan DflAs;
- Bury and Rochdale DHAs.
Any proposals to merge these, or any, DHAs would be subject to full public consultation.