§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to bring into use the two 40-bed wards in the Whittington Hospital which have been lying empty because they have been allocated for patients from the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital, about the closure of which a decision has been greatly delayed.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe decision to close the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital was taken by my right hon. Friend the Member for Blackburn (Mrs. Castle), the previous Secretary of State, on the understanding that alternative facilities would be provided in a district general hospital. Consultations on use of accommodation at the Whittington Hospital are due to end next month, after which decisions will be made on the use of empty, unstaffed wards at that hospital.