§ Mr. KilfedderTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has any plans to reduce the concentration of hospital provision in west Belfast so as to achieve more equitable provision over the province as a whole.
§ Mr. HanleyResponsibility for the provision of hospital services in Northern Ireland lies in the first instance with the four health and social services boards acting within the regional strategic guidelines issued by the Department of Health and Social Services. I am aware that the Eastern board is at present developing a strategic approach to the delivery of acute hospital services to its population, but so far no firm proposals have been put to the Department for approval.