Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy on the closure of hospitals or wards; and if he has received any notification of the possibility of such closures by Lothian health board.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 26 January 1990]: My right hon. and learned Friend will consider any hospital closure or withdrawal of a specialty within a hospital on its own merits and after the relevant health board has consulted all local bodies with a valid interest. I am not aware of any such public consultations being undertaken by Lothian health board at present.
I am, however, aware of speculation in the media about hospital closures in Lothian and the board has stated that it has no plans for "crisis closures".