§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many National Health Service hospitals have closed in each of the years since 1979.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeSince 1979 the number of hospital closures approved is as follows:
Hospitals approved for complete closure Year Number 1979 28 1980 42 1981 32 1982 17 1983 50 Notes:
1. Temporary closures are not included.
2. Dates on which closures are implemented are not recorded centrally.