§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average catchment area, defined both in terms of geographical area and in terms of population, served by a district general hospital in (a) the south-east region and (b) the whole country.
§ Mr. WhitneyI am sorry I cannot give the hon. Member the information she seeks. Information on the extent and population of catchment areas served by district general hospitals is not collected centrally. The hon. Member may wish to write to the chairmen of the regional health authorities in which she has a particular interest. They may be able to provide the information requested.
§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report for the years 1983, 1984 and 1985 (a) the number of hospitals with maternity and gynaecological services without a special care baby unit and (b) the number of hospitals with maternity and gynaecological services without paediatric cover.
§ Mr. WhitneyI shall let the hon. Member have such information as can be obtained without incurring disproportionate cost as soon as possible.