§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what level of reduction in regional health authority staffing levels is being proposed; and on what criteria this level was proposed.
§ Dr. MawhinneyWe have told regional health authorities that they should reduce staffing levels to typically a maximum of 200. This reflects the changing role of RHAs as the national health service reforms are implemented. The NHS management functions and manpower review will make recommendations on the longer term future of RHAs. I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, North-East (Mr. Congdon) on 12 May at columns483–84 for terms of reference of this review.