§ 18 and 19. Mr. Farrasked the Minister of Health (1) if he will retain emergency and out-patient facilities in local hospitals otherwise affected by the Hospital Plan for England and Wales;
(2) if he will retain maternity facilities in local hospitals otherwise affected by the hospital plan for England and Wales.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Enoch Powell)Yes, Sir, in a large number of cases.
§ Mr. FarrMay I thank my right hon. Friend for that encouraging reply? Is he aware of the great difficulty that many people from the rural districts will have of getting into these larger hospitals when they are built, and will he bear that in mind when formulating his Hospital Plan?
§ Mr. PowellYes, Sir. Every single instance has to be looked at in the light of local circumstances and of experience as the new facilities are provided.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyCan my right hon. Friend say whether in cases like the hospital in the borough of Congleton, built in the last 25 years, which is a perfectly good hospital, he will make an exception?
§ Mr. PowellI do not think there is any question of making an exception but of ensuring that new and better facilities that are acceptable to those concerned are in existence before any of the older facilities are discontinued.