asked the Minister of Health what conclusions he has now reached about the reconstitution of National Health Service Executive Councils in the area of East Ham and West Ham.

My right hon. Friend has not yet reached conclusions on this.

Does the hon. Gentleman recognise that this Question was on the Order Paper before the mutually helpful meeting last Thursday between himself and representatives of the councils of East Ham, West Ham and the others concerned? Is he aware that it is not only in football that these joint boroughs have a justified local sense of pride but in social services as well? Will he urge upon his right hon. Friend, when reaching a decision, to have in mind the history of this matter and the fact that East Ham and West Ham have both had independence in health administration for many years?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, representatives of the two boroughs have had the opportunity of putting their views. They put them very cogently and persuasively and my right hon. Friend will take them into account. He is unable to make any decision until we have heard the views of other areas in the Greater London conurbation, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that a decision will be reached as soon as possible.