HC Deb 27 February 1997 vol 291 c382W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the purchasing plans of district health authorities for 1997–98. [17680]

Mr. Malone

Regional offices of the national health service executive assess the purchasing plans of health authorities for consistency with national policies and priorities for the NHS, in the light of local needs and circumstances.

Mr. Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what monitoring his Department has undertaken of the purchasing policies of district health authorities. [17681]

Mr. Malone

Regional offices of the national health service executive manage health authorities' performance to ensure progress against national policies and priorities for the NHS, in the light of local circumstances.