§ Mr. Lennox-Boydasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is able to announce the future administrative structure for health services in the Northern region; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanI am pleased to be able to announce that my right hon. Friend has agreed the recommendation made by the Northern regional health authority for restructuring the National Health Service within its region. Subject to the necessary order being made in due course, the following district health authorities will be established in the Northern region and will come into being on 1 April 1982:
Resident Population Hartlepool 95,000 North Tees 172,000 South Tees 306,000 East Cumbria 167,000 South Cumbria 168,000 West Cumbria 132,000 Darlington 120,000 Durham 236,000 North West Durham 89,000 South West Durham 156,000 Northumberland 289,000 Gateshead 216,000 Newcastle 279,000 North Tyneside 196,000 South Tyneside 158,000 Sunderland 299,000 As a result of these changes, the present nine area authorities and 16 districts will be reduced to 16 new district authorities.