§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the proposals of east Cumbria district health authority to close the nurses' home at the City maternity general hospital, Carlisle, he will take steps to ensure that the site is retained in public ownership; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Kenneth ClarkeA decision about the possible closure of the nurses' home is a matter for the health authority concerned. The hon. Member may wish to contact the east Cumbria district health authority direct. We always encourage health authorities to sell on the open market any land which becomes surplus to their requirements in order to produce resources to improve patient care.