§ Mr. Bernie GrantTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will place in the Library all documents regarding the proposed merger of Hampstead and Haringey district health authorities; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is the financial basis of the proposed merger between the Hampstead and Haringey district health authorities; and what other criteria are involved;
(3) what discussions he has had regarding the possible merger of Hampstead and Haringey district health authorities; and with whom.
§ Mrs. Currie[holding answer 18 April 1988]: I understand that North East Thames regional health authority is examining, with the two district health authorities concerned, the possibility of a merger between Hampstead and Haringey health authorities. Consideration of this matter is at an early stage and the hon. Member may wish to write to the chairman of the regional health authority for further information about any proposals which may be made. If, following public consultation, the regional health authority decides to proceed with a proposal for the merger of the two health authorities, such a proposal will need to be approved by Ministers. As part of the approval process we would expect to enter into discussions with a wide range of interested parties prior to any final decision.
§ Mr. Bernie GrantTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the decision to merge the Hampstead and Haringey district health authorities will affect in any way the previous decision to retain the regional cancer screening unit at the North Middlesex hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Currie[holding answer 18 April 1988]: No decision has been taken to merge the Hampstead and Haringey health authorities. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has also stated that we are not prepared to agree to the closure of the radiotherapy unit at the North Middlesex hospital.