§ Mr. SalterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the powers he has to prevent health authorities and local health trusts from reducing the number of health visitors they employ; and if he will make a statement. [59050]
§ Mr. MilburnWe have the power under section 17 of the National Health Service Act 1977 to direct health authorities as to the exercise of their functions. This power does not relate specifically to the numbers of health visitors, or any particular staff group.