HC Deb 28 July 1988 vol 138 cc560-1W
32. Mr. Fatchett

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the recent High Court decision on health service cuts and closures in the Northern health board area.

Mr. Needham

I wholeheartedly welcome the court's decision on this matter, since it frees the Northern board to proceed with its plans for 1988–89, which include service developments totalling over £800,000.

38. Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met National Health Service trade unions to discuss the High Court's recent decision on the service cuts planned by the Northern health board; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Needham

The judgment in this case was given only on 8 July and I have not met the trade unions during the intervening period.

I am glad of course that this case has been resolved and that the board can now proceed with implementing its operational plan—including the development of new services at a cost of more than £800,000.