HC Deb 19 March 1981 vol 1 cc166-7W
Mr. Bradford

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the area boards will be abolished in pursuance of reducing public expenditure within the Department of Health and Social Services; and, if not, what action will be taken subsequent to the Royal Commission's report concerning the need to reduce administrative costs.

Mr. John Patten

There are no plans to abolish area boards in Northern Ireland, which are the counterparts of the district health authorities in Great Britain. It is, however, intended to make a statement in the summer to announce the results of the wide-ranging review of the structure and management of the health and personal social services in Northern Ireland. The review is being carried out in the light of the Royal Commission recommendations to reduce administrative costs to the minimum compatible with efficient and responsive management.