§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider providing a general additional grant to provide geriatric rehabilitation services where there is an urgent and well-recognised need ; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Sir George YoungIt is for health authorities to decide what priority to accord to the development of a particular service in their area, in the light of national strategies and priorities and of local requirements.
Authorities are aware of the importance which the Government attach to the development of acute geriatric and rehabilitation services for the care of elderly people.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the growing need for rehabilitation services for the elderly in the North-West area, he will now allocate additional resources urgently to meet this need ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungResources are allocated to regional health authorities on the basis of an assessed overall health care need. Health authorities have the responsibility of deciding how to meet the many needs within their areas. The North-Western region has received the largest percentage increase of any region in its revenue allocations for the past four years.