§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what are the financial grounds on which the closure of the Monroe Devis maternity home in Warwickshire can be initiated;
(2) whether he will bear in mind the effects of the indefinite suspension of the plans to build phase II of the district general hospital at Warwick when considering the proposed closure of the Monroe Devis maternity home;
(3) what consideration has been given to the adequacy of Gay block at Warneford hospital, Leamington Spa, as the sole future maternity unit for the district should the Monroe Devis maternity home be closed;
(4) whether in view of the proposed closure of the Monroe Devis maternity home, an extension of the ambulance service in Warwickshire has been considered or costed.
609W
§ Mr. John Patten:South Warwickshire health authority's proposals for transfer of maternity services from the Monroe Devis maternity home were estimated to produce a recurring annual saving of £180,000 for development of services for the mentally handicapped and the mentally ill. The proposals have come to the Department for decision because the Community Health Council opposed them. In reaching a decision we shall give very careful consideration to the adequacy and accessibility of the services proposed following closure of the home.