§ 10. Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received concerning the proposal to close four hospitals in the Liverpool inner city area.
§ Mrs. CurrieNone, Sir.
§ Mr. ParryMay I inform the Minister that any proposals to close the world-famous St. Paul's eye hospital, two specialised maternity hospitals and the women's hospital and to locate them in a Victorian-style royal infirmary will be fiercely opposed by the Health Service trade unions, community health councils, doctors and patients? Is that what the Prime Minister meant when she was talking about Victorian values?
§ Mrs. CurrieI assume that the hon. Gentleman is referring to the district strategic plan, which was published on 8 June and on which comments are required by 31 August. My cursory first glance at the plan—we received it only a few days ago—revealed that there will be a new development at Broad Green hospital, with new build accommodation for ophthalmology upgraded accomodation at the Liverpool royal infirmary site and a new combined unit for obstetrics and gynaecology. The hon. Gentleman is right to draw attention to Victorian values. Liverpool, like many other cities, is suffering from a surfeit of small, old Victorian hospitals from the last century. The health authority is trying to build a Health Service for the next century.