§ Mr. Simon Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for High Wycombe (Mr. Whitney), received about the future of the Bethlem Royal hospital and the Maudsley hospital on his visit to the Maudsley hospital on 15 May; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyI greatly appreciated the opportunity of meeting staff and patients and seeing something of the work of the joint hospitals during my visit last week. During my visit I received representations for additional funding, but these must be considered both against the increase of 5.9 per cent. in the budget granted over last 169W year and in the light of other additional demands on the Health Service. I have agreed to meet representatives of the special health authority in order to discuss their proposals further, early next month.