§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress has been made in objective measurement of provision and need in each health district in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement concerning 462W interim conclusions he has made or the basis of assessment that are now being used.
§ Dr. OwenThe Resource Allocation Working Party is still considering the methods and criteria which it will be recommending for adoption by authorities for assessing resource requirements at area and district level in England. Its report is expected later in the summer. Interim guidance issued to RHA's for determining allocations to areas and districts in 1976–77 reflected the principles adopted in the distribution of revenue to RHA's, but recognised that local factors would need to be taken into account. Within this guidance, it is each RHA's responsibility to assess the resource requirements below regional level.
The National Health Service in Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.