§ Mr. John Stradling Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he proposes to reorganise the National Health Service in Wales.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasYes. The Government intend to unify the service under new health authorities which will be outside local government, though working closely with corresponding local authorities. Legislation will bring the change into effect at the same time in Wales as in England.
The Government have not yet decided what detailed administrative structure would best secure the efficient running of the unified service. In considering the structure for Wales, and what variations between England and Wales may be desirable to reflect differing circumstances, the Government will take into account the comments made on the particular structure proposed in the Green Paper of March, 1970. Organisations concerned will be consulted before a final decision is reached.