§ 4. Mr. A. Royleasked the Minister of Health why the hon. Member for Richmond, Surrey, was informed by him by letter dated 14th May that there was no immediate prospect of the reopening of the casualty department of the Royal Hospital, Richmond, in view of the letter of the same date from the Chairman of the South-West Regional Hospital Board, informing the hon. Member that the department was reopened on 13th May; and if he will institute an immediate inquiry into this misunderstanding between his department and the Board.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Julian Snow)I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's letter of 22nd May.
§ Mr. RoyleWill the hon. Gentleman now give a firm assurance that the casualty 5 department of the Royal Hospital, Richmond, will remain open?
§ Mr. SnowAs the hon. Gentleman probably remembers, during an Adjournment debate on the Friday preceding the Whitsun Recess I undertook to pursue inquiries with the regional board concerned about the future of this Department. This I shall carry out, and write to the hon. Gentleman when I have established the facts.