§ Mr. CartwrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he will take to prevent Greenwich health authority from changing the use of the Memorial hospital, Woolwich, before the consultation exercise has been completed.
§ Mrs. CurrieFormal procedures involving public consultation govern the action of a health authority proposing a substantial variation in services provided within its district. However, the same procedures empower an authority to institute these changes on a temporary basis immediately and in advance of formal consultation where justified on financial grounds. I understand that Greenwich health authority is aware of these requirements and has formulated its proposals in accordance with them.