§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services upon what criteria he bases his decisions to approve or disapprove National Health Service reorganisation proposals involving the merging of districts into a single district area.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe criteria are set out in paragraph 9 of circular HC(77)10, a copy of which is in the Library.
§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what account he took of local opinion opposed to the proposal to merge the two health districts in Somerset into a single district area.
§ Mr. EnnalsI gave careful consideration to the proposals of the Somerset area health authority submitted to me by the South-Western regional health authority and to the views of those who opposed them before deciding, on balance, to give my approval.
§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now withhold giving any further approvals to the merging of health districts into single district areas until he receives the report of the Royal Commission, at least in those cases where he has evidence of substantial reasoned opposition to such mergers.
402W
§ Mr. EnnalsIn January I asked health authorities which had not so far considered proposals for structural change not to do so until the report of the Royal Commission was available. A few authorities were already considering such proposals, and they may proceed to consultation and formal submission to the Department. I do not, however, expect to take decisions on any such proposals until the Royal Commission has reported.