§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what considerations led him to collect centrally information on hospital closures.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesMy right hon. Friend needs to satisfy himself that public consultation on hospital closures takes place in accordance with current guidelines. To monitor this, health authorities in Wales are providing information on planned hospital closures and major service changes. All hospital closures objected to by community health councils are referred to my right hon. Friend for decision.