§ Mr. Nobleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many places per 1,000 population aged 65 years and over there are in (a) day care centres for the elderly and (b) residential centres for the elderly, in the Rossendale district, in the North-West and in England and Wales, respectively.
§ Mr. DeakinsStaffing levels for administrative and ancillary staff are a matter for NHS employing authorities, having regard to their overall financial allocations. We have urged authorities to seek constantly to improve the cost-effectiveness of health services. Staffing levels are under regular scrutiny.
The number of ancillary staff employed in the NHS in England dropped slightly between 1976 and 1977, the most recent years for which figures are available. The review of management costs, which was instituted because of concern at the rise in administrative staffing levels over the period of NHS reorganisation, has resulted in a reduction of about 3,000 management posts since March 1976.