§ Mr. RapsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions have taken place between the Ministry of Defence and the NHS on the planned closure of the Royal Hospital, Haslar; and what plans he has to ensure the maintenance of hospital provision on the Gosport Peninsular. [68073]
§ Mr. DenhamFollowing the Strategic Defence Review, the Ministry of Defence decided to close Royal Hospital, Haslar. The local health authority will now be exploring with Royal Hospital, Haslar and colleagues in the Defence Secondary Care Agency the options for the provision of the most effective healthcare for the local population. In the meantime the Ministry of Defence has made a commitment to maintain the service currently provided by Royal Hospital, Haslar until 2002 at the earliest.