§ Mr. Kimball12, 13 and 14. asked the Minister of Health (1) if, in the reorganisation which the Sheffield Regional Hospital Board is undertaking with either the present arrangements for the treatment of infectious diseases or radiotherapy treatment in North Lincolnshire, he will instruct it to bear in mind the transport difficulties of the area;
(2) if he is satisfied that the proposed reorganisation of the Scunthorpe Memorial Hospital which affects the people in Gainsborough and the Isle of Axholme has the support of all the medical practitioners who will have to work under the new arrangements and if he will make a statement;
2W(3) if he is aware of the concern of the residents in the Isle of Axholme at the Sheffield Regional Hospital Board's proposals to close the Brumby Isolation Hospital; and what reply he intends to send to the Isle of Axholme Rural District Council in response to their representations.
§ Mr. R. ThompsonI am informed that the Regional Hospital Board is well aware of the transport difficulties of the area. It proposes not to close the Brumby Isolation Hospital but to reduce the infectious diseases and tuberculosis beds there in order to prepare the way for much-needed building work at the Scunthorpe War Memorial Hospital. The planning of these services is a matter for the Board, but the proposals have the support of the Scunthorpe Hospital Management Committee and the consultant radiotherapists concerned. I am aware that there is some local concern, and a full explanation of the reasons for the change will be given to the Isle of Axholme Rural District Council.