§ Mr. RookerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the future of regional specialties of hospitals in Birmingham.
§ Mrs. Currie[pursuant to her reply, 21 October 1987, c. 805]: The development of regional specialties is the responsibility of the regional health authority working where appropriate within guidelines set down by the Department. I understand that the West Midlands regional health authority is currently reviewing its mechanism for identifying and funding regional specialties, to enable it to achieve the maximum possible benefit from the resources available. The hon. Member may wish to write to the chairman of the West Midlands regional health authority for further information.