§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to develop alternative systems of management of the national health service.
§ Mr. MaloneThe system of management that we continue to develop for the national health service, which began with the NHS reforms introduced in 1991, is one of decentralisation of responsibilities to purchasers and providers, while maintaining clear lines of accountability. This improves services to patients and ensures better value for money by devolving decision making about the delivery of services to local level.