HC Deb 20 October 1975 vol 898 cc49-50W
Mr. George Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if she is satisfied with the decision-taking process relating to the future of the Royal Free Hospital, Liverpool Road, Islington;

(2) what information is being given to the remaining staff of the Royal Free Hospital, Liverpool Road, Islington, about the future of the building;

(3) when she now expects formal consultations on the future of the Royal Free Hospital, Liverpool Road, Islington, to begin; and why there has been a delay;

(4) what is the weekly cost of the wages of staff retained at the Royal Free Hospital, Liverpool Road, while the future of the building is being decided.

Dr. Owen

Formal consultations were authorised in February. Various proposals were received, and the area health authorities are now conducting two alternative feasibility studies. Consultations on the study reports will resume next year. The staff at Liverpool Road had discussions with the District Management Team on 10th September about this situation.

The wekly cost of staff wages was about £5,000 in March. This should eventualy reach about £2,000 for essential maintenance and to service the nurses' home, medical student accommodation, pharmaceutical stores and central sterile supply department which are remaining.

I am writing to my hon. Friend about the decision-making process.