§ 47. Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now establish a timetable for the full implementation of the recommendations of the Resource Allocation Working Party on National Health Service finance.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe working party recommended a method of assessing the relative need of health regions, areas and districts in England for revenue and capital funds. The principles they proposed were broadly followed in determining allocations to regional health authorities for 1977–78 and health authorities were told that I expected them to adopt these same principles as far as practicable in determining allocations within regions. I shall announce later this year the basis I propose to adopt for 1978–79. I am determined to continue the process of redistribution of Health Service resources to achieve greater equity in allocations; but the speed at which we move must depend on the amount of money available nationally year by year for the hospital and community health services.