asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has any proposals for the further development of the Burton district hospital centre; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that the West Midlands regional health authority, which is responsible for major capital developments, has not been able to find a place for further phases of the Burton district hospital centre in its consultative 10-year strategic plan, but that the Staffordshire area health authority has requested further discussions on this issue.