HC Deb 12 January 1994 vol 235 c198W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the powers she has under public legislation to give directions to local authorities or otherwise to requi[re them to act in a way which she prescribes, giving in each case the legislative authority under which she may exercise these powers.

Mr. Bowis

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has a number of such powers. They could be listed comprehensively only at disproportionate cost. If the hon. Member has a specific function in mind, perhaps he would write to me.