§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultations he has had with the Health Service unions regarding his proposed cuts in the National Health Service; and whether the regional trade union officials within the Trent region and Barnsley district were consulted.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe have proposed no cut in funds for the NHS as a whole this year. I assume the right hon. Member has in mind the revised cash limits which were notified to regional health authorities in July and the manpower targets which have subsequently been settled with each regional health authority. These were matters for management decision, but the health service unions have expressed their views to us.