§ Mr. Channonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what he proposes for the future of the Victoria Hospital in the Southend area; and if this building is now superfluous for National Health Service uses.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe Essex Area Health Authority and North East Thames Regional Health Authority have recommended that the Victoria Hospital should be permanently closed. The Southend District Community Health Council has objected to the proposed closure and the regional health authority has therefore referred the matter to my Department for a final decision. I will be considering the proposal shortly.