§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the weighting within the Resource Allocation Working Party for conditions of pregnancy adequately reflects the problems facing the maternity services in different regions and areas; if he will modify it to take account of social conditions in addition to age and fertility rates; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleThe Resource Allocation Working Party formula is continuously under review. I am not aware of any particular inadequacy in respect of the maternity services. In determining financial 281W allocations sub-regionally, health authorities have been advised to take account of the effect of any local factors, such as social deprivation, which it has not yet been possible to include in the formula.