HC Deb 27 April 1999 vol 330 cc101-2W
Mr. Pickles

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the closure of Ongar War Memorial Hospital. [81871]

Mr. Denham

No decision has been made about the future of Ongar War Memorial Hospital. The health authority has not yet provided all the information necessary to enable Ministers to take a decision on the long-term future of the hospital.

We understand that the National Health Service trust may be considering closing the hospital on health and safety grounds. This is a matter which is the responsibility of the trust.