§ Mr. Kimballasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he is aware that the statutory consultation machinery between the Lincolnshire North Community Health Council and the area health authority is being frustrated in the case of the future of the Gainsborough Maternity Home; and what steps he will take to ensure proper consideration of this matter, in view of the local anxieties which have been expressed;
(2) if he will instruct the Lincolnshire, Area Health Authority that no final decision on the future of the Gainsborough Maternity Home should be taken when Parliament is in recess.
§ Mr. MoyleI am assured that Lincolnshire Area Health Authority is following the proper procedures for considering and consulting upon proposed closures, as set out in Circular HSC (IS) 207, a copy of which is in the Library. However, as there has been some misunderstanding of these procedures locally the area health authority has decided to reconsider at its September meeting the comments received on the proposed closure of Gains-borough Maternity Home. No closure which is opposed by the Community Health Council concerned can be effected without the formal approval of my right hon. Friend, to whom the matter has not yet been referred.