§ Mr. LivseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on his policy towards community hospitals.
§ Mrs. CurrieSmall community hospitals make an important contribution to the National Health Service. It is, however, for each health authority to determine the appropriate pattern of district services. In doing so they will balance the benefits of well used community hospitals alongside those of larger district hospitals in the light of322W changing circumstances and so as to secure the best possible value and level of service provision for all the local communities they serve.