§ Sir Eldon GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to receive the Eastern regional health authority's proposals to run down Newmarket hospital to a community facility.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe West Suffolk district health authority is currently consulting widely on the future of Newmarket hospital. The consultation period will end on 28 February. The district health authority will then make proposals to the East Anglian regional health authority. The regional health authority will consider these findings within the wider context of its proposed strategy for acute services in the south western part of the region. If the scheme preferred by the region and the district is formally opposed it will be referred to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.