§ 54. Sir John Farrasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether it is his policy to support the continuance of the smaller National Health Service maternity units in peripheral areas.
§ Mr. John PattenIt remains our view that women should be encouraged to have their babies in hospitals which can offer the whole range of services necessary to deal with emergencies that may arise. It is for health authorities to plan the provision of services locally, having regard for the views of users; the social or geographical need for units at particular locations; the use made of different units; the existence of selective booking policies; and the availability of medical, midwifery, and ambulance services. If proposals to close a small maternity unit come to Ministers for decision, we will consider a case on its merits, having regard to all these factors.