§ Mr. Gorstasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to put considerations for low costs or administrative convenience in the management of the hospital service before considerations of quality of treatment;
(2) whether it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to concentrate hospitals into fewer and larger units;
(3) whether it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to merge smaller hospitals of international renown on the grounds that the cost of their continued existence as separate units will be higher than it would be if they were merged into larger units.
§ Sir K. JosephMy policy is to provide within the resources available to me, the hospital services which best meet the needs of the public. In deciding what should be the future of particular hospitals all considerations, including those mentioned by my hon. Friend, are taken into account.
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§ Mr. Gorstasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the contined existence of smaller specialised hospitals which have an international reputation.
§ Sir K. JosephThe future of each hospital, whatever its size and degree of specialisation depends on individual circumstances; in the case of specialised teaching hospitals decisions are taken only after discussion with the University concerned.