§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what steps his Department plans to address the imbalance in the number of health trusts south of Merthyr Tydfil and north of Merthyr Tydfil; and if he will make a statement; [8330]
(2) what consultations are planned involving those who represent the general practice, primary care, community nursing, health visiting and mental health professions in the North Wales health authority area in connection with plans for the reconfiguration of health trusts in that area; and if he will make a statement; [8331]
(3) what mechanism there is for taking into account the views of general practitioners, psychiatrists and public health physicians concerning the reconfiguration of health trusts in Wales; and if he will make a statement; [8333]
(4) what mechanism there is for taking into account the views of local authorities and other elected representatives concerning the reconfiguration of health trusts in Wales; and if he will make a statement; [8334]
(5) what plans he has to consider alternative reconfigurations of health trusts in North Wales; [8335]
(6) if it is his policy that no final decision concerning the reconfiguration of health trusts in Wales will be taken until the completion of the All-Wales Service Review; and if he will make a statement. [8336]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsI announced on 22 May a wide-ranging review of the number and configuration of NHS Trusts in Wales. I expect the review process to include detailed discussions with representatives of all sections of the NHS, including professional groups, as well as local authorities, Community Health Councils and other interested parties. Any proposals which arise will also be subject to a formal public consultation exercise. The NHS Wales' All-Wales Service Review will be taken into account and it is my aim to have in place a new shape of trust based services by April 1999.