§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to announce his decision on the proposal of the North East Thames regional health authority to close the radiotherapy department in Southend; and what criteria he takes into account in making decisions on such proposals.
§ Mrs. Currie[pursuant to the reply, 21 October 1986, c. 870]: North East Thames regional health authority's proposal to close the radiotherapy unit at Southend will be the subject of full public consultation by the district health authority. If the local community health council objects to the proposal and the regional health authority intends to proceed to close the unit, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services will then be asked to make a final decision on the proposed closure, taking account of all relevant factors.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many letters he has received from the general public on the proposal to close Southend's radiotherapy cancer unit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Currie[pursuant to the reply, 21 October, c. 870]: We have received 10 letters which have been referred by hon. Members, together with about 100 letters direct from members of the general public. All such representations will be taken into account if my right hon. Friend is required to take a final decision on the proposal to close the radiotherapy unit at Southend.