asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is yet in a position to state the effect of the consideration by the North-East Thames Regional Health Authority of the represeatarions of the Hertfordshire Area Health Authority with regard to the proposed closure of the maternity unit at the Herts and Essex Hospital; and whether she will ensure that full consideration is given to such representations before she promulgates a final decision on this matter.

I wrote to the right hon. and learned Member on 19th February.