§ Sir John GorstTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her oral statement of 10 May,Official Report , column 785 , (1) what discussions she has had with the chairmen of the relevant health authorities in connection with the extra £2 million provision to improve primary health care in West Barnet; how these funds are to be administered; and what plans there are for minister to monitor the utilisation of these funds. [25244]
(2) how much of the extra £2 million to improve primary care in West Barnet will be allocated to fund improvements in the Hendon, North constituency; and how the remainder will be allocated accordingly to neighbouring parliamentary constituencies. [25245]
§ Mr. MaloneIt is the responsibility of local health authorities, working in conjunction with others, to assess the needs of their populations and to balance service and spending requirements both in the medium term and on a year to year basis. Following discussion with the chairman and regional director of North Thames regional health authority, criteria have been set by which effective implementation of the changes in north London will be judged and on the importance of maintaining high-quality standards for patients. The chairman of the regional health authority will take this forward with chairmen of the relevant health authorities. Arrangements are in place for regular progress meetings with the regional chairman. The chief executive of the NHS executive will also continue to work closely with the regional director.