§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the proper consultative machinery is being operated and has been followed concerning the proposal to close the Dreadnought seamen's hospital.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeYes. The South East Thames regional health authority has issued a consultative document on the proposed transfer of seafarers' services from Greenwich to St. Thomas's hospital and Greenwich health authority is consulting the Greenwich community health council on the basis of that document. West 159W Lambeth health authority has issued a consultative document on the proposed changes at St. Thomas's hospital. Greenwich health authority will be consulting separately about the future of the landsmen's services currently provided at the Dreadnought seamen's hospital.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received concerning the proposed closure of the Dreadnought seamen's hospital at the most recent date.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI have received letters about the proposed transfer of services for seamen from the Dreadnought to St. Thomas's from 12 Members of Parliament, 27 members of the public, and four members or former members of the hospital's staff. I have also received two petitions with a total of 214 signatures and a television video-tape describing the history of the hospital, its present services and objections to its proposed closure.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many jobs will be lost following the closure of the Dreadnought seamen's hospital; and how many new jobs will be provided by transferring the services to St. Thomas's hospital.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke298 staff are currently employed at the Dreadnought seamen's hospital. West Lambeth health authority would require only one additional post if the services for seamen are transferred to St. Thomas's hospital. It is not possible at this stage to state what posts would be transferred within Greenwich health authority should the hospital close nor how many of the present staff would be redeployd.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the present structure of the building of the Dreadnought seamen's hospital, Greenwich; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe Dreadnought seamen's hospital is the responsibility of the South East Thames reginal health authority, which leases it from the Ministry of Defence. The hon. Member may like to seek information direct from the health authority.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will meet a deputation of hon. Members and trade union representatives concerning the proposed closure of the Dreadnought seamen's hospital;
(2) if he has any plans to visit the Dreadnought seamen's hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI have told the hon. Member for Greenwich (Mr. Barnett) that, should the proposal to transfer services for seamen be referred to Ministers for decision I would meet a deputation led by him. I have no plans to visit the hospital.