§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what study he has made of the health and social services needs of population growth areas like Cannock Chase on the borders of major conurbations; if he will take steps to provide additional health and social service resources in these areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George Young:No special study has been made by this Department on the particular needs of these areas. Allocations for hospital and community health care services are made to regional health authorities on the basis of the assessed relative health care needs of the regional populations: and it is for the health authorities to assess the needs of the populations they serve. The level of personal social services provision is a matter for local authorities to decide.