§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the shortage of accommodation for geriatric patients and psychiatric beds in the 509W South-West of England and the restraint on public spending, if he will introduce proposals which would result in saving through changes in the structure of the National Health Service so that more money may be provided for the treatment of patients.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinI shall shortly be announcing the Government's policy for simplifying the structure of the National Health Service which, after transitional costs have been met, should lead to a significant reduction in management costs. Any resources so released will be available for services to patients, though at this stage I cannot anticipate their extent, either nationally or in the South-West region, or the services that might benefit. I intend, however, to issue guidance in the autumn on policy objectives for the health and personal social services, including services which treat or care for the elderly and the mentally ill.