Dr. Bennettasked the Minister of Health what has been the result of his consideration of the suggestion that a separate region and regional hospital board should be created for the Western Area of the South-West Metropolitan Region.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodAfter consulting all the parties concerned in this matter, and having carefully considered all the views expressed, I have reached the conclusion that no substantial advantage would be gained by the creation of a separate Region and Regional Board for the Western Area of the South-West Metropolitan Region.
It seemed to me that the criticisms made by those who wanted a new Region could probably be met more economically, and without the loss of the advantages at present deriving from the existence of a single Region, by delegation of powers more freely to the Western Area Committee rather than by creating a new Region and a new Board. I therefore asked the Regional Board to consider how this wider measure of delegation might be achieved, and sought their views on a number of suggestions which appeared to me to be practicable. These suggestions were discussed by representatives of the Board and the Western Area Committee with officers of the Ministry and I understand that the Committee are preparing detailed proposals indicating how, in their view, the suggestions might be implemented and they will submit their proposals for the Board's consideration in due course. I now await the Board's considered views.