30. Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about the closure of National Health Service hospitals, and their subsequent reopening as private hospitals.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergI have received such representations from a number of hon. Members recently about the sale of Strinesdale hospital, Oldham, and about the future of the Battersea general hospital site in London. In neither case is the future use of the sites determined. Our general policy is that when health authorities dispose of surplus National Health Service property they should consider all bids received from potential purchasers, including any from private health care companies.
§ 51. Mr. John Evansasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many National Health Service hospitals have been closed and subsequently reopened as private hospitals during the past three years.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThis information is not held centrally.