§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Prime Minister whether she is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Welsh Office and the Department of Health and Social Security with regard to the services provided by the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt orthopaedic hospital at Oswestry; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterYes. I assume the hon. Member's question relates to the recent decision of the Shropshire health authority to close a number of beds temporarily at this hospital. Health authorities are not obliged to consult over temporary closures, but should the authority decide to make a temporary closure permanent there is a set consultation procedure to follow. The Welsh Office together with local community health councils would be consulted formally.