§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he proposes to allow individual area health authorities to make changes in their management structures in advance of any recommendations on the subject by the Royal Commission on the National Health Service.
486Whonours. The information required is set out in the attached table.
Mr. EnnuisYes. We have ruled out any major and fundamental changes in the structure of the National Health Service until the report of the Royal Commission has been received and considered. But I am prepared to consider changes in management structures in individual authorities, such as the merger of districts.
Before approving such a change, I would need to be satisfied that the proposal would lead to a more effective 487W delivery of services and improved management efficiency; that there had been full and adequate consultation with staff and with district management, local authorities and community health councils; and that both regional and area health authorities approved the change proposed.