§ Mr. SpellerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he will make of the financial and staff implications of an amalgamated centralised health authority of North Devon, Exeter and Torbay.
§ Mr. DorrellIf any regional health authority formally submits to my right hon. Friend a proposal to amalgamate neighbouring district health authorities, we shall consider most carefully all their arguments and the results of local consultation, as well as the financial and staffing implications. We shall need to see clear evidence that any amalgamation is in the interests of the residents of the districts concerned and of the health service generally.