§ 56. Mr. Teelingasked the Minister of Health why he has authorised the Brighton and Lewes Hospital Management Committee to close the Sussex Maternity Hospital, Brighton, in view of the shortage of beds in that area and the traditions of this, the oldest maternity hospital in England, which has been 130 years in existence and has a training reputation throughout the Commonwealth.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithNo decision has been taken to close this hospital, nor have I been asked to authorise it. The South East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board has prepared proposals for the development of hospital services in this area, which include the proposal to close the Sussex Maternity Hospital and provide more maternity beds at Brighton General Hospital. It is now engaged on consulting local interests about these proposals.