asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in the light of the concern about the area health authority's proposals for the future of the Royal Hospital, Richmond, he will make a statement underlining the importance of the hospital's general facilities; and if he will instruct the area health authority to maintain a minor surgery and casualty department at the hospital.

It is for the Area Health Authority to determine, in consultation with local interests, what the future role of this hospital should be in relation to the new facilities which are now available at the Kingston General Hospital. It will need to take into account the general policy that accident and emergency services should be concentrated in hospitals at which proper supporting facilities are available. I understand that the Royal Hospital does not have such facilities at present.