§ Dr. Glynasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of public concern at the decision to close the casualty unit at the King Edward VII hospital, Windsor, on 29 October, if he will take into account the representations made by the council of the royal borough of Windsor and Maidenhead on 30 September, a copy of which he has received and acknowledged, and rescind the decision of the East Berkshire health authority.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke:I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to his previous question on 8 June 1982.—[Vol. 25, c. 64.] Ministers would not normally intervene in proposals for the closure or change of use of health facilities unless the proposals were contested by the community health council. I understand that the East Berkshire CHC has not objected to the proposal to close the accident and emergency department at King Edward VII hospital, and the health authority intends to proceed with closure on 29 October. I am satisfied that, in reaching its decision, the health authority took full account of the views of the royal borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.