HC Deb 15 February 1993 vol 219 c81W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what new resources she plans for the west midlands regional health authority.

Dr. Mawhinney

In 1993–94 an additional £53 million has been made available to West Midlands regional health authority in respect of services for its resident population. This is a 1 per cent. increase above inflation once measures on public sector pay restraint have been taken into account. In addition to this amount a further £43 million from centrally held budgets (including AIDS and joint finance) has been issued to West Midlands as part of its initial revenue cash limit. During the course of the year the regional health authority will receive a share of other centrally held budgets including those for general medical services and Project 2000.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the terms of reference for the new chairman of the West Midlands regional health authority.

Dr. Mawhinney

Sir Donald Wilson, in addition to carrying out all the duties of all regional chairmen, has been asked to:

  1. 1. ensure that patients and staff in the West Midlands are properly served by an efficient and effective regional organisation;
  2. 2. oversee important management changes proposed in the West Midlands.

Mr. Spellar

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will give details of the terms agreed for the retirement of Sir James Ackers as chairman of the west midlands regional health authority.

Dr. Mawhinney

With the agreement of the Treasury, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has decided to make a payment of £10,000 to Sir James Ackers under the provisions of paragraph 9(3) of schedule 5 of the National Health Service Act 1977.