§ Mr. John Wellsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why, in view of the urgent need for a replacement cobalt machine at St. William's hospital, Rochester, the unavailability of one consultant to attend a meeting on 22 November 1982 should have been allowed to delay the ordering of this machine by some seven weeks, particularly as that consultant has been pressing for the machine's availability.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeResponsibility for the provision of the replacement cobalt machine for St. William's, Rochester, rests with the South-East Thames regional health authority. It must answer detailed queries about progress but I am assured that the meeting in question has now taken place. I trust that everyone concerned appreciates the need to take urgent steps to provide this machine.