§ 97. Mr. Marloweasked the Minister of Health upon what grounds it has been decided to close the Portland Road, Hove, annexe of the Sussex Maternity Hospital; whether he is aware that this will leave the borough of Hove without any maternity hospital provided by the National Health Service; and whether, in view of the strong local opposition to the proposed closing, he will hold a local inquiry before the decision becomes effective.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodAs I have already informed my hon. and learned Friend, I am satisfied that this area is adequately served by other maternity units; and that the Regional Hospital Board, whose primary responsibility this is, have rightly decided that it is not justifiable to continue to maintain this four-bed unit.