§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if, in view of the proposed rundown of Shotton steelworks in East Flintshire, he will review his plans to close the existing cottage hospitals and sanction extensions of existing physical health hospitals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasHospital provision in the area will constinue to be decided on the health requirements of the population as a whole. The Welsh Hospital Board has been considering the future pattern of hospital services in North-East Wales after completion of the new district general hospital near Rhyl, and will shortly be commencing formal local consultations on its proposals. These provide for the Flint and Holywell Cottage Hospitals to continue in use. When the board has completed its consultations, formal proposals will be put to me for approval.