§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what would be the reduction in costs to the National Health Service caused by acceptance of the 285W Spastics Society plan to save Tadworth hospital for sick children, when compared to current costs, for the first and fourth years of implementation, respectively;
(2) if he has decided whether to implement the proposals of the Spastics Society for saving the hospital for sick children at Tadworth.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe are considering carefully the suggestion of the Spastics Society for the future of the Tadworth hospital for sick children, together with other proposals. It is too soon for a complete analysis to be made of them or final decisions to be taken. The board of governors decided only yesterday to recommend closure and the transfer of the patients to Queen Mary's Carshalton. I must seek to find a solution to the problem as quickly as is reasonably possible. I expect to receive many representations and I intend to visit Tadworth and Queen Mary's Carshalton hospitals myself before reaching any decision.