§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the effect on recruitment of anaesthetists, intensive care and operating theatre nurses and on the quality of training for medical students of the proposal by the Victoria health authority to close the cardiac surgery services in Westminster hospital.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeIn view of the concern expressed by my hon. Friend and others about the possible effects of the proposal to close the cardiac surgery unit at the Westminster hospital I am writing to the chairman of Victoria health authority informing her that my right hon. Friend will take the final decision following the outcome of local consultation. We will take account of the effects on staff recruitment and medical education in coming to our decision.