HC Deb 05 July 1994 vol 246 cc186-7W
17. Mr. Matthew Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to develop the role of the purchasing authorities in the NHS.

Mr. Sackville

Purchasing authorities have an important role in the national health service and there has been much good work to develop their function. This will be consolidated through the enabling legislation, which will allow district health authorities and family health services authorities to merge and ensure high levels of performance and effectiveness.