§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is his estimate of the extra cost to the ambulance service of the proposal to restrict the casualty department at St. Mary's hospital, W.9 to those able to make their own way to and from the department; which hospitals will need to accept casualties at present dealt with at St. Mary's; what increase in medical and nursing staff is envisaged at those hospitals; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will take steps to reopen the temporarily closed rheumatology and rehabilitation units at St. Mary's hospital, London, W.9;
(3) if he will now refuse to endorse the proposal of the district management consultative document to close 127 beds at St. Mary's hospital, W.9.
§ Dr. VaughanI am considering a proposal submitted by the North-West Thames regional health authority to close beds at St. Mary's hospital, Harrow Road, but am not yet in a position to make a decision on this.