§ Ms. HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether any hospital wards which have been closed in the last two years will be reopened under the proposals of the White Paper "Working for Patients".
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke[holding answer 9 February 1989]: Hospital wards may be closed for a variety of reasons including, for example, the development of better alternative facilities. But under the present funding arrangements a hospital which becomes more efficient and could treat more patients may be prevented from doing so because funds do not flow with the patients. The White Paper's proposals will make it easier for NHS hospitals to offer their services to their own and other districts in a way which enables them to attract the funds they need in line with the work they are asked to do.