2.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he intends to meet members of the Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth area health authority.
I have no plans to do so.
Is the Minister aware of the great concern felt in the Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth area about the harsh cuts in Health Service expenditure imposed upon it by his Department? Will the right hon. Gentleman take another look at the consequences of those cuts and the many hospital closures that are about to take place to see whether he can do anything to relieve the situation?
I have already commended the action of health authorities which are taking the necessary steps to remain within the budgets established by our predecessors and to which we have adhered. I recognise that for many of the London health authorities this has meant most painful decisions, but I have once again to make it clear that the Government cannot provide extra funds. Next year's spending plans provide for a small measure of growth in health authority spending.