§ Mr. Les Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the West Midlands regional health authority on the future of High View hospital, Exhall; and whether he will list his powers of intervention if a decision to close the hospital is taken.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNone.
Health authorities are required to consult local interests on proposals to make substantial variations on local health services. If the community health council (CHC) objects to such a proposal then it must be referred to Ministers for approval. Under general powers granted by the National Health Service Act 1977 Ministers may intervene in cases where there is CHC approval, but we would expect to do so only in very exceptional circumstances.