HC Deb 23 October 1973 vol 861 cc453-4W
Mr. Milne

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will issue a circular to hospital boards recommending a system of discussion and consultation with staffs and hospitals listed for closure.

Sir K. Joseph

Comprehensive guidance on the procedure for handling proposals to close or change the use of hospitals is already available to regional hospital and show how this compares with population changes in the United States, South America, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the Indian sub-continent, the whole of Africa, South-East Asia, and China, for the same 10 year period.

Mr. Alison

The latest period for which the comparison between the United Kingdom and the areas specified can be made is 1961–71. The figures published by the United Nations are as follows:

boards: this recommends consultation with and staff and other interested local bodies.