§ 4. Mr. Peter Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the future of the Eltham and Mottingham Hospital.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Dr. David Owen)The rationalisation of services in 172 Greenwich and Bexley is the responsibility in the first instance of the area health authority. No submission on the future of this hospital has been made to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. BottomleyWill the Minister confirm that cottage hospitals are coming back into vogue in city as well as country areas and recognise that the Eltham and Mottingham Hospital is largely supported by the local community?
§ Dr. OwenIn the past there has been a tendency for hospitals to be too large, but we must look at each proposal for the retention or expansion of a hospital on its merits. Size is not the only factor. There are certain minimum sizes below which it is uneconomic to run a hospital.