§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will take steps to ensure that the four wards at the Royal Free hospital occupied by patients moved from the New End hospital will in future be returned to the acute function;
(2) whether he will ensure that the full amount obtained by the sale of the New End hospital is returned to Hampstead heath authority to meet capital and revenue costs associated with the redevelopment of the Queen Mary hospital.
§ Mr. WhitneyHampstead health authority's proposals for the future provision of services for elderly people are laid out in a consultative document issued by the authority on 21 July. The document details both the authority's plans for the four wards at the Royal Free that would be occupied by patients from New End, and the current understanding between Hampstead and North East Thames regional health authority over the use of the proceeds from any sale of New End. If following public consultation, the proposals are formally adopted by the health authority, and the Hampstead community health council objects, they will come to Ministers for a final decision. It would not therefore be appropriate for me to comment.