§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how may hospitals in England and in the North-East Thames regional health authority, respectively it is proposed to close as a result of the 0.5 per cent. reduction in expenditure based on efficiency, the 1 per cent. reduction in expenditure announced by the Chancellor and staff reductions in the current year.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeProposals for the permanent closure of hospitals are made for a variety of reasons including replacement of old or dilapidated stock, changes in the pattern of medical treatment, greater efficiency in the delivery of services and the redeployment of services to match movement in population. Ministers would not approve the permanent closure of hospitals simply as a result of the expenditure arrangements referred to by the hon. Member.