HC Deb 25 July 1991 vol 195 cc889-90W
Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will make it his policy that each of the present district health authorities in Wales should continue in existence following the Government's national health service reforms;

(2) what are his proposals in respect of the powers, responsibilities to be exercised by, and the geographical areas to be covered by each health authority in Wales subsequent to the implementation of his national health service reforms.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

Powers, responsibilities and geographical areas of health authorities in Wales are subject to statutory provision. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State keeps under review the appropriateness of the areas of authorities.

Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will list the specific bodies which will be the purchasers of health services for the area covered by each of the present district health authorities in Wales, following his national health service reforms;

(2) if he will list the bodies which will be the purchasing authorities for health services in Wales under the Government's reform of the national health service in respect of the separation of the roles of purchaser and provider.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

District health authorities are purchasing authorities for each of their areas. They are listed as follows:

  • Clwyd
  • East Dyfed
  • Gwent
  • Gwynedd
  • Mid Glamorgan
  • Pembrokeshire
  • Powys
  • South Glamorgan
  • West Glamorgan

There are, in addition, seven GP fund-holding practices in Wales which can purchase services directly for their patients. They comprise:

  • Dr. Shah and partners, Hengoed
  • Drs. James, Jones and partners, Pontypridd
  • Dr. Jerrett and partners, Pontyclun
  • Dr. Parry and partners, Porthcawl
  • Drs. Morgan, Edwards and partners, Cardiff
  • Dr. Jenkins and partners, Swansea
  • Dr. Brackwell and partners, Rhyl

Pembrokeshire district health authority has made an application to become an NHS trust. If this application is approved, it will be necessary to review the purchasing arrangements for that part of Wales.