§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what representations he has received on the 514W threatened closure of the child development centre at Charing Cross Hospital; what powers are available to him to keep this centre for handicapped children in being; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if, in his view the closure of the child development centre at Charing Cross Hospital would constitute a substantial variation in the provision of patient services by the area health authority concerned; and if he will spell out the procedures for consultation to be followed before the centre can be closed.
§ Mr. Patrick Jenkin[pursuant to his reply, 24 October 1979, c. 219]: I have received a number of letters from hon. Members and others interested in this unit. Requirements for consultation are laid down in SI 1973 No. 2217 regulation 20(1). In the first instance it would be for the authority to determine whether such closure amounted to substantial variation in the provision of the health service in the district. I have powers available to me to ensure the unit remains open but as I made clear in the Supply debate on 17 July—[Vol. 970, c. 1436]—it is not for Ministers or the Department to tell authorities where or how to make their savings. It is up to authorities to look at their priorities carefully and make savings where they do least harm to patient care.