§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider issuing far more specific and direct instructions to health authorities, already in financial difficulties, with regard to which sectors and fields of activity they are urged to make economies.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinNo. I made it clear in the Supply Day debate on 17 July that it is not for Ministers or the Department to tell authorities where or how to make their savings. It is up to the authorities to look at their priorities carefully and make whatever savings are necessary to remain within their cash limits in a way which will do least harm to patient care.