§ Mr. St. John-Stevasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will re-examine the quality of patient services offered in the Chelmsford area with a view to requesting the North-East Thames Regional Health Authority not to approve the Essex Area Health Authority operational plan for 1978–79 to 1980–81 but to put forward fresh proposals restoring the cuts currently being proposed in that plan.
§ Mr. MoyleAs I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member on 30th January—[Vol. 943, c.46–7]—approval of the Essex Area Health Authority's operational plan for 1978/79–1980/81 rests with the North East Thames Regional Health Authority, which fully recognises the need to increase resources available to Essex. I see no reason to intervene.