HC Deb 31 January 1991 vol 184 cc616-7W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has received from Yorkshire regional health authority regarding the reasons for the current financial position of Wakefield health authority.

Mr. Dorrell

The national health service management executive receives regular reports from regional health authorities which monitor the financial position of their districts. In addition, there is regular contact between the national health service management executive and the regional health authorities at all levels.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps have been taken by Yorkshire regional health authority to monitor the management of Wakefield health authority over the past five years.

Mr. Dorrell

Yorkshire regional health authority has well-established arrangements for monitoring its districts. I suggest the hon. Member contacts Sir Bryan Askew, chairman of the regional health authority, for details.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set up a full and independent inquiry into the management of Wakefield health authority over the past five years.

Mr. Dorrell

No. Management of Wakefield district health authority is the responsibility of Yorkshire regional health authority.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take urgent steps to ensure that the current financial position of Wakefield health authority does not result in further reductions in health care provision within local hospitals or community services.

Mr. Dorrell

It is the responsibility of regional health authorities to allocate finances to the district in the light of local circumstances and priorities.