§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what pilot studies and other research have been conducted into the merging of family health services authorities and district health authorities; and whether she will make a statement;
(2) what consultancy or start-up costs have been expended to date in respect of the possible merging of family health service authorities and district health authorities.
§ Dr. MawhinneyAll district health authorities and family health services authorities are expected to develop effective joint working, and there have been many commentaries on the benefits of this well-established Government policy. There can be no research or pilot studies on merging authorities as no such merger can take place without a change in legislation, and consequently no costs have been expended in this area.