asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what plans there are to reduce further the number of beds at the Royal Liverpool hospital;(2) if there are any plans to close a surgical ward at the Royal Liverpool teaching hospital; and if he will make a statement;(3) if there are any plans to make surgical wards into five-day wards at the Royal Liverpool hospital; and if he will make a statement.

The provision of local health services is a matter for individual health authorities. The hon. Member may therefore wish to contact the chairman of the Liverpool health authority.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to seek to reduce the waiting list for patients awaiting treatment at the Royal Liverpool hospital.

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.