§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list in the Official Report the hospitals to be closed in each region and the number of beds in each, as a result of cuts in resources;
(2) which districts have decided to close either some of their outpatient or casualty departments as a result of the cuts in their resources;
(3) which districts have so far indicated their intention to close beds or hospitals as a direct result of cuts in their resources; and what will be the effect on waiting lists as a result.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeMinisters do not approve closures or major changes of use simply in reaction to any reduction in resources. Few health authorities have experienced any real cuts in resources, and we expect them to look for cost savings which do not affect patient care.
I refer the hon. Member to my written reply to the hon. Member for Walthamstow (Mr. Deakins) on 30 November 1983 at c. 533.