asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in view of the imbalance of National Health Service provision both between regional health authorities and even between neighbouring health authorities, what plans he has to ensure equal access to health care in all parts of the United Kingdom.

My right hon. Friend is responsible only for health services in England. It is our intention to continue the policy of redistribution of resources among health authorities by the process of levelling up rather than levelling down. The rate at which this can be achieved will depend on the amount of new resources available nationally.