§ 37. Mr. Alisonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what extra health facilities are to be provided in Selby and district consequent upon the decision to develop the Selby coalfield.
§ Dr. OwenThe area health authority has recently contacted the National Coal Board to assess the possible impact on health services. I understand that the National Coal Board proposes initially to move a workforce into the district and that any additional demand is likely to fall on hospital accident and emergency services. There are major accident and emergency departments at Leeds and York and burns and spinal injuries units at Wakefield. The extent to which the population may eventually increase is not yet known but contact between the health authority and the National Coal Board will be maintained to ensure that any necessary increases in the need for health services are identified.