§ Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made towards the abolition of regional health authorities; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyAs a first step towards the new structure announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 21 October last year, the number of regional health authorities will be reduced from 14 to eight on 1 April 1994. From the same date eight regional offices of the management executive will be established, sharing common boundaries with the new regional health authorities. Legislation to abolish regional health authorities altogether will be introduced at the earliest opportunity.