§ Mr. LathamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received since September 1988 from residents of Rutland against the proposed closure of the maternity unit at the Rutland Memorial hospital, Oakham; what action he intends to take to prevent the Leicestershire health authority from proceeding with that closure; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanWe have received 22 local representations on the matter.
176WResponsibility for the provision of local health services rests with the district health authority concerned.
Ministers are not involved in such decisions unless agreement cannot be reached locally.