§ Ms. Glenda JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals she has to resite the Association for Research into Multiple Sclerosis following the proposed closure of the Central Middlesex hospital; and if she will take account of the needs of multiple sclerosis sufferers at present treated there.
§ Mr. SackvilleI am not aware of any proposals to close Central Middlesex hospital.
The hospital provides accommodation and other assistance to the charity Action Research into Multiple Sclerosis. I understand that the charity's centre at the hospital has run into serious financial problems, putting at risk the therapy and diagnostic services it has been providing for between 400 and 500 patients.
The Department of Health agreed in May to provide £75,000 to the Central Middlesex hospital to avoid disruption of treatment for patients.