§ Mr. Anthony Grantasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will set out the parameters within which health authorities should be operating in order to achieve value for money.
§ Dr. VaughanAll health authorities are aware of the Government's policy to achieve value for money in the National Health Service. We do not give detailed guidance to health authorities: this would involve more circulars and bureaucracy, both of which we are seeking to reduce. Our policy is to devolve decision-making to the local level and thus to give managers at this level the opportunity and incentive to use their resources more effectively and efficiently.