asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has received a copy of the central Nottinghamshire community health council counter proposals to the area health authority's proposed closure of health services within the central Nottinghamshire health district; and if he will make a statement.

The Department has received a copy of the Central Nottinghamshire community health council's response to the Nottinghamshire area health authority's proposals. Consideration of all responses received to the consultative document issued by Nottinghamshire area health authority (teaching) is, in the first instance, for the authority, and I understand that the matter is to be discussed at its meeting on 6 March.