§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in the light of the fact that St. Helens and Knowsley area health authority is bottom of the 90 area health authorities in the amount it spends per head, what steps he intends to take to ensure that more resources are provided to St. Helens and Knowsley to ensure that the area enjoy as good a health service as other parts is of the United Kingdom.
§ Dr. VaughanExpenditure per head is not a valid basis on which to judge the relative financial needs of area health authorities. Many of the population resident in St. Helens and Knowsley area are provided with health services by the neighbouring areas of Sefton and Liverpool. Expenditure on hospital and community services in St. Helens and Knows-478W ley area is consequently low in relation to population.
Allocation of resources to St. Helens and Knowsley area health authority is a matter for the Mersey regional health authority which is fully aware of the relative needs of areas within the region. Major capital developments are planned at St. Helens and Whiston hospitals during the decade, as well as upgrading of accommodation at Eccleston Hall and Newchurch cottage hospitals. Additions to services to meet needs within the area will, of course, attract additional revenue resources.