asked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from the Gwynedd area health authority concerning the future of the maternity unit at Bryn Beryl hospital, Pwllheli; and if he will ensure that every opportunity is given to the local community to express its feelings on the need to retain this hospital, before any decision is taken.

Gwynedd health authority has sought my right hon. Friend's permission to issue a consultative document which will propose the closure of the maternity ward at Bryn Beryl hospital, Pwllheli, and the Welsh Office has recently agreed that the authority may go ahead with the public consultation procedure which will allow the local com-