§ Mr. Macfarlaneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he last met the chairman of the South-West Thames regional health authority; and if he will make a statement about the effect of the resources allocation working party in this region of London.
§ Mr. HayhoeMy right hon. Friend meets all regional health authority chairmen at regular two-monthly intervals to discuss a wide range of topics. The last such meeting was held on 21 May.
The distribution of funds within South-West Thames is a matter for the region. Regions are expected to follow the resources allocation working party approach of improving equity of access to services, to plan their services and funding accordingly and to plan for a manageable pace of change. These aspects are taken into account in assessing and approving regions' strategic plans and progress is monitored through their short-term programmes.