§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) who has purchased the Chesterfield Royal hospital;
(2) how much of the equipment in Chesterfield Royal hospital has been sold to private owners.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe disposal of NHS property, which is surplus to requirements, is the responsibility of the health authority concerned. I expect the health authority to negotiate the best possible price for the sale of assets, for which the National Health Service has no further need as the proceeds will be devoted to the development of better patient services elsewhere. The identity of the purchaser is, in my opinion, of no concern to me as a Minister or to the House as the representative of the taxpayer and patients.