§ Mr. Geoffrey Johnson Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the cost of the area health authorities; and what would be the saving to the National Health Service if area health authorities were abolished.
§ Mr. MoyleRevenue expenditure on headquarters administration by area health authorities in England, excluding district headquarters, in 1977–78 was £99.4 million. If area health authorities were abolished, the functions they undertake would have to be discharged at other levels in the National Health Service. The extent of saving, if any would therefore depend on the organisation adopted.