§ Mr. Michael Spicerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the assurances of successive Ministers that St. Wulstan's hospital for mental rehabilitation in Malvern would not be closed down until there were comparable facilities in the region, he is satisfied that, following the internal report of the rehabilitation survey team set up by the West Midlands regional health authority, comparable facilities now exist.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI am happy to repeat the only assurance given by this Government about the future of St. Wulstan's hsopital, Malvern, of which I am aware, which is that if the question of closure comes to Ministers for final decision, the views of all interested bodies and individuals will be taken fully into account. Ministers would also consider the availability of comparable facilities in the region. As my hon. Friend will know, the Worcester and District health authority is preparing a consultative document so that there can be widespread public consideration of the future need for this hospital. Ministers will only have to become directly involved if the health authority decides, after consultation locally, that St. Wulstan's should close but the community health council objects.