§ Mr. FraserTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the proposed closures of wards and beds by Camberwell health authority require his consent.
§ Mr. DorrellUnder the terms of the Community Health Council Regulations 1985 a health authority proposing substantial development or variation in the health service is required to consult the community health council. If the community health council does not agree to proposals involvimg the closure of a health building it has the right to have the decision reviewed by the regional health authority. If the regional health authority supports the original decision, the matter can be referred to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State. A health authority may implement a closure if it is satisfied that, in the interests of the health service, a decision has to be taken without allowing time for consultation. In any such case, however, the health authority is obliged to notify the community health council immediately of the decision taken and the reason why no consultation has taken place.