§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he takes to collect information on cuts and closures in individual health authorities.
§ Mrs. CurrieInformation on health authorities' plans to change the way in which services are delivered, which may involve closures, is received through formal and informal contacts with health authorities. Major changes are outlined in short term programmes. Closures which are opposed by the community health council come to Ministers for decisions. Details of hospitals and facilities approved for permanent closure following public consultation are routinely collected centrally. Returns of hospital activity, which is the final indicator of the level of services being provided for patients, are received quarterly.