§ Mr. HinchliffeTo 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.
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§ Mr. DorrellThe 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. HinchliffeTo 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. DorrellYorkshire 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. HinchliffeTo 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. DorrellNo. Management of Wakefield district health authority is the responsibility of Yorkshire regional health authority.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo 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. DorrellIt is the responsibility of regional health authorities to allocate finances to the district in the light of local circumstances and priorities.