§ 82 and 83 Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he is satisfied that transport arrangements between St. Peter's Hospital, Chertsey, and Woking will be adequate for patients, staff and the general public on the closure of Woking Maternity Hospital; and whether he will make a statement;
(2) whether it is the intention of the South-Western Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board to arrange consultant antenatal clinics in Woking and elsewhere in the catchment area of the St. Peter's Hospital, Chertsey, in the light of the proposal to close the Woking Maternity Hospital.
Mr. CrossmanII have now accepted the regional hospital board's recommendation for the change of use of Woking Maternity Hospital to geriatric services and for the closure of Kettlewell Hill Annexe and Walton and Windlesham Maternity Homes: but this will not take place until am satisfied that proper arrangements are made for alternative ante-natal care of expectant mothers. 1 understand that improvement of the half-hourly bus service between Woking and St. Peter's Hospital will be considered when sufficient need is established.