§ Mr. Robert Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he has taken since his visit to Croydon in August 1980 in order to secure equitable funding for Croydon area health authority from the funds made available to the regional authority.
§ Dr. VaughanI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to my visit on 19 August. Responsibility for allocating resources to the Croydon area health authority rests with the South-West Thames regional health authority, which has to balance the needs of all areas within the region. I have asked officials of the Department to discuss with the regional health authority the need for the Croydon area health authority to be provided with adequate resources to improve facilities and staffing levels at St. Lawrence's hospital.