§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the independent study groups set up by the London health planning consortium have yet reported on the future pattern of cardio-thoracic, neurological and neuro-surgical services in the Thames regions and when he expects a decision to be reached about the future of the regional units now at the Brooke hospital, Woolwich.
§ Dr. VaughanThe study group on cardiology and cardio thoracic surgery reported in October 1979—copies of the report are in the Library; the report of the study group on neurology and neurosurgery is expected in February. Through its parent bodies, the consortium has invited comments on the former report and a similar procedure will be adopted when the latter report is received. In the light of the comments received the consortium will—later this year—reach its own conclusions and make recommendations. Decisions will then be a matter for the responsible health and academic authori-756W ties or, if need be, by Ministers in the interest of achieving a balanced and compatible provision of services across London as a whole.