To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if his Department has any plans for the direct funding of Christie hospital, Manchester; what information he has as to how many patients come from outside the north-west region; and if he will make a statement.

There are no current plans to fund Christie hospital, Manchester directly. Information is not held centrally on the number of patients who attend the hospital from outside North Western region. The right hon. Member may wish to raise that matter with the chairman of North Western regional health authority.