§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what date there is to be a ministerial visit to Stoke Mandeville; what is the purpose of the visit; and if any consideration has been given to advancing the date.
§ Dr. VaughanI plan to visit Stoke Mandeville and the national spinal injuries centre on 20 November to see the hospital and to meet the chairmen of the442W regional and area health authorities, clinicians and representatives of the staff. I shall also meet patients and former patients of the national spinal injuries centre and will be discussing proposals to vary the level of service provided by the NSW in the light of the outcome of discussions currently taking place between officials and officers of the health authorities. In the circumstances, 20 November is the first practicable date for the proposed visit.
I am aware of the general concern about the future of the NSIC and I met a deputation of former patients on 9 November.