HC Deb 07 November 1989 vol 159 c552W
19. Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his policy on the promotion and support of cottage hospitals under the proposed new funding arrangements for the National Health Service.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Small hospitals can have a valuable role to play in providing a range of services if that is what is needed locally. Under our proposals district health authorities will have responsibiity for ensuring provision of a comprehensive range of services for their resident population. They will be able to take full account of services offered by cottage hospitals in deciding where to place contracts.