HC Deb 15 July 1980 vol 988 cc513-4W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the Minister of State's recent visit to Liverpool.

Dr. Vaughan

I visited Liverpool on 4 July where, accompanied by the hon. Member and other local hon. Members, I had meetings with representatives of Health Service staff and of the two community health councils. I also met members of the Liverpool area health authority (teaching) and their chairman and senior officers of the authority. Various problems affecting the Health Service in Liverpool were discussed at all these meetings and I found my visit most useful in giving me a better understanding of the current situation. It is clear that the authority faces difficulties, and will have to act promptly and effectively if it is to contain its level of spending within its cash allocation.

I shall be meeting the hon. Member, together with the other hon. Members who were present on 4 July, to discuss the problems facing Liverpool further.