§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 21 May,Official Report, column 62, (1) on what date he asked district health authorities to submit new local strategies for health; what guidance he gave on local public consultation; and if he is taking any steps to monitor the progress in developing these strategies;
(2) what is his Department's guidance to health authorities in Wales on publishing strategic options which are currently being developed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristIn November 1989 the Department launched a wide-ranging consultation exercise on the Welsh Health Planning Forum's proposals for developing a better basis for long-term strategic planning in the NHS in Wales. The planning forum recommended that district health authorities and family practitioner committees should submit their long-term response strategies to the Welsh Office by December 1991.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will shortly announce his response to the consultation exercise. Health authorities will then be given advice on a range of related issues, including timetabling and arrangements for monitoring the progress of the planning exercise.
Advice on district health authorities' short-term "pathfinder" procurement and unit business plans was contained in Welsh Office circular WHC(90)19, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. No advice has been given on the framework for publishing these plans, as this is a matter for individual health authorities.