§ 40. Sir Anthony Royleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the area health authority failed to consult with local interests prior to the public 973W meeting in November about the future of the Royal Hospital, Richmond, as laid down in his recent reply to the hon. Member for Richmond.
§ Mr. MoyleI understand that decisions about the future rôle of this hospital were taken by the South West Metropolitan Hospital Board in consultation with local interest, as long ago as 1971–72. The area health authority continued to act, without further consultation, on its predecessor's intentions, which had already in part been implemented. As the hon. Gentleman knows, however, the authority has now agreed to consult the Kingston, Richmond and Esher Community Health Council about the future of in-patient facilities at this hospital.