§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when she plans to meet the chairmen of the South Lancashire health authority and the Ormskirk hospital trust to discuss the health service review in Southport, Formby and West Lancashire; [23973]
(2) what assessment she has made as to whether the health service review in Southport, Formby and West 96W Lancashire, conducted by Sir Duncan Nichol, has been objective; [23972]
(3) when she plans to meet the chairman of the North West regional health authority to discuss the health service review in Southport and Formby and West Lancashire; [23971]
(4) what steps she will take to ensure that the Ormskirk hospital is not closed down by the health service review in Southport, Formby and West Lancashire; [24444]
(5) what considerations led the health service review in Southport, Formby and West Lancashire to come to its decision; and what weight was given to the evidence (a) in support and (b) against the decision making; [24442]
(6) for what reasons the health service review in Southport, Formby and West Lancashire's conclusions are based on current service and not on the proposed service. [24443]
§ Mr. MaloneThe Sefton and South Lancashire health authorities commissioned a review of health services in the Southport and Ormskirk areas. When the health authorities concerned have considered the report and Sir Duncan Nichol's observations on it, their proposals will be the subject of public consultation. As these proposals may be referred eventually to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for decision, it would not be appropriate for Ministers to comment at this stage.