HC Deb 13 December 1988 vol 143 cc556-7W
Mr. Meale

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether any adopted criteria exist within(a) the central Nottinghamshire or (b) other health authority areas which give financial incentives to managers of services for (i) closure or (ii) temporary closure of health authority buildings.

Mrs. Currie

No. Managers are required to provide, on behalf of their authority, health care for their local community. Closures are made for many reasons and may be essential to improve services.

Mr. Meale

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether in-use health authority properties can be closed on a temporary basis after consultation documents have been issued and prior to the expiry date of such consultations.

Mrs. Currie

Yes. Under the Community Health Council Regulations 1985 a closure may be made without consultation if the district health authority is satisfied that this is in the interests of the Health Service.