§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to cease the process of redistribution of resources from the North West Thames region to other regions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe process of resource distribution aims both to direct larger cash increases to those regions which have historically received less than their fair share of resources, and to reflect regions' changing population size and structure. The need for adjustments between regions to reflect population changes will continue after historic deprivation has been made good; the impact on the North-West Thames region will depend on changes in its population relative to the population of other regions.
§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects the review of the resource allocation working party formulae by the National Health Service management board to be completed; whether the board will be seeking evidence from the North West Thames regional health authority; and if he intends to publish the results of the review.
§ Mr. HayhoeMy right hon. Friend has asked the NHS management board to report to him by the end of 1986. The conduct of the review will be discussed with regional health authority chairmen shortly, and I would certainly expect all regions to be invited to submit evidence. Decisions have not yet been taken about the form in which the results of the review will be published.