§ Ms. ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) whether the Mater Infirmorum hospital, Belfast, will become the main centre for gynaecology in central Belfast if the proposals of the complementarity study of the Eastern health and social services board are implemented;
(2) what assessment has been made of whether the Mater hospital can provide a full range of care;
(3) what steps are being taken to ensure that the Mater hospital can provide a service with regard to artificial techniques of contraception, sterilisation, tubal ligation, and related areas;
215W(4) what steps are being taken to ensure equal provision for women seeking care on a non-denominational basis under the proposals of the complementarity study of the Eastern health board;
(5) what representations he has received suggesting that the proposals of the Eastern health board's complementarity study have not taken account of the special characteristics of the Mater hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe proposals for changes in the provision of acute services by the three Belfast teaching hospitals stem from the recent complementarity study report. The Eastern health and social services board has yet to decide how it wishes to proceed with the study recommendations. When it does I will wish to discuss the conclusions very fully with the board chairman.