§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many small maternity units, particularly in rural areas, have been closed in each of the past five years; and what was the total number of maternity beds involved in each year;
(2) how many small maternity units, particularly in rural areas, are currently subject to formal proposals for closure; and how many maternity beds are involved.
§ Mrs. Currie[holding answer 20 January 1988]: I regret the information requested is not available centrally and 855W cannot be obtained except at disproportionate cost. Day-to-day management decisions on closures are a matter for individual health authorities in England.