HC Deb 24 July 1984 vol 64 cc610-1W
Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what account he takes of the provision of private medical facilities within a health authority's boundaries when allocating its resources.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We generally follow the principles laid down by the resource allocation working party when allocating resources to regions.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has ever considered taking account of the distribution of private medical resources when determining regional resources allocation working party allocations.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We allocate additional resources on the basis of our judgment of the relative needs of the regions at the relevant time and the principles laid down by the resource allocation working party are our main but not our only guide.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether any regional health authority takes account of the distribution of private medical resources when determining its financial allocations to districts; whether any regional health authority has considered doing so; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We expect regional health authorities to have regard to the principles laid down by the resource allocation working party, but also to take account of all relevant local problems and circumstances.