HC Deb 16 January 1984 vol 52 cc129-30W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence he has that the reduction in manpower proposed for the National Health Service should not have any adverse effects on patient services.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We settled the manpower targets after full discussion with the regional health authority chairmen and taking into account local circumstances and planned developments. We have made it quite clear that we expect better efficiency to concentrate the use of manpower on the delivery of direct care to patients and regional chairmen have endorsed this policy.