§ Mr. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Wales if his Department had any objection to the Swansea and Iliw Valley community health council having a copy of the Welsh Office letter to the West Glamorgan health authority authorising the reopening of the Singleton casualty unit; and if he will investigate why the health authority only gave the press a version of the letter which excluded reference to the desirability of a 24-hour service.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonA copy of the letter was sent to the Community Health Council by the Department and the text was available to the media. Statements by the authority are a matter for it.
§ Mr. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what scope there is for appointment of hospital doctors to man the Singleton casualty unit within the current establishment of the West Glamorgan health authority; what consultation has taken place or is planned between his Department and the health authority about establishing a 24-hour service; and what constraints have been identified.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonSubject to the standard arrangements whereby certain new posts require the approval of our Department, the levels and deployment of staff are operational matters for the health authority. The authority was asked to keep the opening hours of the unit under review and to continue to consult the Community Health Council.