§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if the statements made by the Minister of State in Torbay on 23 October 1997 in response to questions about the threatened closures and cuts in Cornwall's community hospitals represent Government policy; [13180]
(2) if it is his intention that Ministers who have expressed views on the merits of proposed closures and cuts in Cornwall's community hospital services should play any part in the approval process for these proposals. [13179]
§ Mr. BoatengDuring media interviews on 23 October, my noble Friend the Minister of State made general points about the need to see improved community services to enable patients to be treated in their own homes, rather than in hospital. My noble Friend did not comment upon, or pass judgment on, the service review of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly health authority.