§ Mr. Higginsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what estimate he has made of the risk to pregnant mothers if Zachary Merton Maternity Unit is closed down and they have to travel from the periphery of the area 529W served by Southlands Hospital under emergency conditions to have their babies at Southlands Hospital;
(2) if, in his consideration of the closure of the maternity unit at Zachary Merton Hospital, he took into account the cost and time relatives visiting mothers and children in Southlands Hospital would expend if they need to travel by public transport from the periphery of the area served by Southlands Hospital.
§ Mr. MoyleNo recommendation from the regional health authority on the future of the maternity unit at Zachary Merton Hospital has yet reached me. I have no doubt that the authority will take these points into account.