asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent consideration he has given to abolishing one tier in the health authorities; and what representations he has received on this subject.

The Royal Commission on the National Health Service was set up to examine, among other aspects, the tiered structure imposed by legislation enacted by the previous administration. I intend to await its report before contemplating major changes, such as the abolition of a tier, and meanwhile to make improvements wherever possible within the present statutory framework. Most representations on this issue are properly made in the form of evidence to the Royal Commission. Those made to my Department show no consensus in favour of abolishing a particular tier.