§ Mr. Goodladasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is yet able to announce his decision on the proposed closure of the Oakmere Rehabilitation Centre.
§ Mr. MoyleI have carefully studied both the case put forward by the Cheshire Area Health Authority and the Mersey Regional Health Authority for closing the Oakmere Rehabilitation Centre, and the counter-proposals of the Crewe Community Health Council. Following my meeting last December with a deputation led by the hon. Member, I visited Oakmere on 11th May. Taking into account both the absence of equivalent facilities in the areas from which patients are drawn, and the fact that the use of the centre has now considerably increased, I have concluded that its usefulness needs to be evaluated over a further period, and that the question of its closure or retention should be reviewed in five years' time. I have accordingly decided not to approve the present closure proposal, and the health authorities have been so informed.