asked the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the Clwyd health authority, Polish representatives and the local community about the future of Penley Polish hospital, Clwyd; how many patients there are; how many ancillary and professional staff there are; what amount of investment in new wards and equipment there was in the period after the National Health Service reorganisation to 1979; and if he will make a statement.

The Welsh Office, the Clwyd health authority and representatives of the Polish Ex-Combatants Association have consulted about the problems of maintaining services at Penley hospital. The hospital is experiencing difficulty in recruiting sufficient staff, and in particular Polish-speaking staff. Some restraint on admissions is needed, at least as a temporary measure.Ninety-three patients are currently being cared for at the hospital. The staff number 57 full-time and 37 part-time professionals and 23 full-time and 23 part-time auxiliaries. Approximately £26,000 was spent on equipment and improvements between 1 April 1974 and 31 March 1979.