§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on Shropshire health authority's proposals to sell off five community hospitals for use as private nursing homes;
(2) what revenue savings will result from the proposed selling off of five community hospitals by Shropshire health authority; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThis is a matter for Shropshire district health authority.
I understand, however, that members of the health authority are considering outline proposals for the transfer of some continuing care services currently provided in its cottage hospitals to independent charitable trusts. Any such proposal to change the use of these hospitals would be consulted on by the DHA in the normal way, and might in due course come to Ministers for approval. Ministers' decisions would be on the proposals as finally approved by the health authority following consultations.
Any savings which might result would clearly depend on the health authority's final plans. If the hon. and learned Member wants details of possible savings from the options currently under consideration or any further details of the health authority's proposals, I suggest he should contact the district chairman direct.