§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what action he has taken in accordance with his duties under section 3(1)(d) of the National Health Service Act 1977, or what action he intends to take, where standards do not meet the criteria of the Act; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what action he has taken or what action he intends to take under section 3(1) of the National Health Service Act 1977 regarding hospital accommodation and other accomodation for the purpose of any service provided under the Act in circumstances where the standards do not meet his criteria; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanIt is the Government's view that the duty of the Secretary of State under section 3(1) is best discharged by delegating maximum responsibility to health authorities for the provision of hospital and other accommodation, and of the other services and facilities specified. The role of Ministers and the Department is, broadly, to give guidance on policies and priorities. "Care in Action" describes in chapter 4 ways in which health authorities can be assisted, either locally or through central agencies, to maintain and improve the quality and efficiency of their services; and in chapter 5 records our intention of establishing minimum standards for maternity and neonatal services.