§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what, at the latest count, is the total number of hospitals in Greater London which is proposed by regional or area health authorities should be closed as a result of the Government's policy of imposing cash limits and redistributing resources between the well off and the poorer areas.
§ Mr. MoyleHospital closures, partial or total, are brought forward for a variety of reasons and rarely from a single cause. At present my right on. Friend is considering proposals to close two hospitals in Greater London. I understand that health authorities are engaged in formal consultations on seven other proposals. Until health authorities have completed their review of services and have prepared strategic plans for rationalising and developing services in the longer term and have consulted upon682W them, I am unable to give precise information about the number and timing of prospective closures in Greater London or elsewhere.