asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what democratic or departmental control exists over the allocation of funds between regional health authorities and area health authorities; and if he has any plans for change in this field.

It is my right hon. Friend's responsibility to allocate funds to the regional health authorities and he is accountable to Parliament for his decisions. Regional health authorities, the members of which are appointed by my right hon. Friend and are accountable to him in that capacity, are responsible for allocating funds to area health authorities. Any changes will depend on the outcome of consultations over the Government's proposals for restructuring the National Health Service published in the booklet " Patients First".