§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list those statutory provisions which govern the conversion of purpose-built hospital wards into offices.
§ Mr. MoyleMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is empowered by section 87 of the National Health Service Act 1977 to use for any function conferred upon him by that Act any property belonging to him by virtue of that Act. The Crown is not bound by the planning Acts, but Ministers have agreed that Departments should consult local planning authorities where this would be 395W needed either under the current general development order or where the development proposals are likely to be of special concern to the authority. Conversion of parts of hospital premises may often be required in order to enable the hospital to fulfil its intended purpose more effectively and would not normally change the status of the hospital under the use classes order.