§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to the reply of 11 December 1987,Official Report, columns 297–98, if he will investigate the failure of Birmingham and Worcester district health authorities to consult community health councils when they made substantial reductions in the number of hospital beds in 1987.
§ Mrs. Currie[holding answer 20 January 1988]: I am satisfied that the Central Birmingham and Worcester district health authorities have followed the procedures for consultation as set out in the National Health Service (Community Health Council) Regulations 1985. Urgent and temporary closures do not require pre-closure consultation.