§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is aware that the radiotherapy centre, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, which covers the North of England, has been closed down for a month, thus causing concern to patients, their families, consultants and others; and if she will use her powers to get this opened immediately so that the treatment of patients can continue.
§ Dr. Owen:The radiotherapy centre at Newcastle is not closed. Thirty of the 90 radiotherapy beds at Newcastle General Hospital have been closed for one month from 17th March 1975, as part of a programme of ward closures, drawn up to enable the nurses at the hospital to take the extra holidays they were awarded in consequence of the Halsbury Report.