§ Ms JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether guidance has been issued to health authorities on how funds released by the closure or reductions of acute units are to be transferred to the primary health care sector.
§ Mr. MaloneIt is for local health authorities, taking account of clinical priority, the views of local people and the available resources, to assess the level of services needed to meet the requirements in their area and to negotiate appropriate provision. We will be examining the changing pattern of service provision to ensure that patients continue to receive effective and high quality care.