§ Mr. FatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the possible merger of Leeds Eastern and Leeds Western health authorities.
§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley[holding answer 29 January 1990]: I understand that regional and district officers are 234W currently considering the possibility of such a merger. However, merger proposals will be considered only where there is a compelling case for change. Before any case for a merger could be accepted it would need to be considered by the regional health authority and then submitted to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for final decision. The case would be subject to full public consultation and the Secretary of State would need to be sure of its merits before approving it. The Health Service reforms are not about widescale restructuring but are designed to concentrate management on improving health care for patients.