§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to proceed with the restructuring of hospital services in Northern Ireland. [HL2163]
§ Baroness Farrington of RibbletonThe Government is committed to the development of modern, effective hospital services in Northern Ireland and they hope that decisions about local issues such as the future of hospital services can be taken by the Northern Ireland Assembly. While devolution is suspended, the Government will of course continue to take whatever decisions are necessary to ensure the provision of safe and effective hospital services.