§ Mr. Macfarlaneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the proposed cuts by hospital authorities in the four Thames regional health authorities.
§ Mr. EnnalsDecisions on regional allocations for future years have yet to be taken; health authorities have, however, a responsibility to ensure that expendi-788W ture in the current year is kept within the cash limits notified to them. All health authorities are reviewing their services and preparing plans for future development within the resources likely to be available. The Thames authorities are planning on the assumption that regional resources will continue to be restrained. They are, therefore, seeking ways of providing services more economically whilst at the same time enabling more resources to be progressively channelled to the localities and services where the need is greatest.