§ 18. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consideration he has given to the future of the casualty unit at the hospital at Bexhill-on-Sea.
§ Mr. AlisonNone so far, Sir; no proposal has as yet been put to my right hon. Friend. The South East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board is, however, seeking his approval to carrying out local consultation on the future of this unit.
§ Mr. Godman IrvineHas my hon. Friend directed the attention of my right hon. Friend to the petition presented to the House in March, which was supported by at least one-third of the population of Bexhill? Is he aware that the letter he was good enough to write to me in April gave the impression that he was thinking that Bexhill's was a declining population, which it is not? It probably has the highest population over the age of 65 in Europe. Is not that something that should receive careful consideration? In particular, has my hon. Friend considered the possibility of using retired doctors on a rota basis?
§ Mr. AlisonYes, Sir. All these possibilities have been and are being considered, but my hon. Friend will know that no proposal to close the Bexhill casualty department is before my right hon. Friend yet for decision.