§ 35. Sir D. Walker-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services 98W how far her decision to close the maternity unit at the Herts and Essex Hospital, Bishop's Stortford, was due to an assumption that the Hertfordshire Area Health Authority had considered and acquiesced in the closure; and whether she will now review her decision so as to take full account of that authority's opinion when received.
§ Dr. OwenThe decision to close the maternity unit was taken by the previous administration in June 1972. As I wrote to the right hon. and learned Gentleman, the new health authority was given the opportunity to review the situation and through a misunderstanding the Hertfordshire Area Health Authority was thought to have agreed. Consequently, my right hon. Friend saw no reason to alter the earlier decision. However the area health authority is now due to report to the regional health authority and I shall take all its views fully into account.