13. Mr. Fred Evansasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the future of Caerphilly Miners' Hospital.
§ Mrs. WhiteNo, Sir. Tentative proposals have now been prepared by the hospital authorities but they have not yet sought the authority of my right hon. Friend to start local consultations. No decision on the future of the Caerphilly Miners' Hospital will be taken until proposals have been put to him which will be considered in the light of representations made by local interests.
Mr. EvansWould my hon. Friend accept that the people of this area, like those of many other areas of Wales, are seriously concerned about the closure of local hospitals? Would she also accept that serious emotional tension is developing in the area? Would she use her influence to see that a decision is made as soon as possible?
§ Mrs. WhiteIt will not be possible, of course, for my right hon. Friend to consider proposals which have not yet been put before him. When they have been, I am sure that he will consider them as rapidly as possible.