§ Mr. Rhodri MorganTo as the Secretary of State660W for Wales (1) when he proposes to commence the statutory decision making procedure for determining the future of accident and emergency services in the Cardiff area; [31260]
(2) what notification he has been given by South Glamorgan health authority of its disagreement with Cardiff community health council regarding the proposed switch of accident and emergency services from the Cardiff royal infirmary to the University hospital of Wales; [31262]
(3) what public consultation he expects to carry out before reaching his decision concerning the future of accident and emergency services for Cardiff; and how long he estimates it will take him to announce his verdict; [31261]
(4) what consultation's he has had with the chairman of South Glamorgan health authority concerning its failure to agree with Cardiff community health council about proposals for future accident and emergency services for Cardiff. [31263]
§ Mr. RichardsThe future of accident and emergency services at the Cardiff royal infirmary is a matter for South Glamorgan health authority at this stage. Although the health authority has kept this Department closely in touch with developments, including the position of Cardiff Community health council and the independent review of accident and emergency provision in Cardiff, the matter has not been discussed with the chairman of the health authority at ministerial level.
If the authority and the community health council are unable to agree on the way ahead, the proposals will be submitted to the Secretary of State for decision. If this happens, the Secretary of State's decision will be announced as quickly as possible, taking into account all the views presented.