§ 25. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further discussions his Department has held with the North-East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board and the Essex County Council about the future of the Ongar War Memorial Hospital; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonDiscussions are taking place with the North-East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board about implementing the conditions which, as my hon. Friend is aware, need to be met before it makes a final recommendation for the closure of Ongar Hospital. The Essex County Council is prepared to take over the property to provide residential accommodation for elderly mentally infirm persons.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonSince these changes are proving much more difficult to bring into effect, would it not be better if this hospital, to which many of my constituents contributed out of their own pockets as a memorial to the dead, should carry on as it has done before, for that is what they would wish?
§ Mr. AlisonIf the conditions cannot be met, obviously the board and my right hon. Friend will have to reconsider the whole situation. But even if the projected change of use were to occur and the mentally infirm were to be taken into this hospital a continuing community use for the hospital upon its traditional lines would, I think, be ensured.