§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has about the proposed closure of the Binfield park hospital, Berkshire, and about alternative accommodation to be provided for in-patients.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe long term objective of providing a comprehensive community-based mental handicap service to permit the closure of Binfield park hospital was included in Oxford regional health authority's strategic plan approved in 1985 by my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Clarke), the then Minister for Health. We have had a copy of a consultation document issued by the managing health authority setting out proposals to put this into effect over eight to 10 years.