§ 19. Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will now make a statement on her proposals for health service expenditure in Leicestershire, following the recent deputation to her by hon. Members and representatives of the British Medical Association.
§ Mrs. CastleI am aware of the problems facing the health authorities responsible for providing services in Leicestershire where present low levels of expenditure reflect serious deficiencies in the level of hospital provision. Despite present economic circumstances I have recently given hon. Members an assurance that developments in Leicester will continue to receive the highest priority. It is my firm intention that resources should be allocated in accordance with criteria which are responsive to relative need. Priority will also be given to developments vital to the medical student intake programme. Thus Leicestershire will continue to attract priority consideration within the constraints of available resources.